Eels' 2019 Indigenous jersey unveiled
The Parramatta Eels are today proud to unveil their Indigenous jersey for the 2019 season.
Designed by Blue & Gold players Josh Hoffman, Will Smith, Bevan French and Blake Ferguson, the jersey will be worn by the Blue & Gold in Round 11 when the Eels host the Penrith Panthers at Bankwest Stadium on Thursday 23 May, which coincides with the NRL Indigenous Round.
The jersey is now available via the Eels shop for pre-order with dispatching beginning from mid May. Click here to pre-order today!
The story behind the jersey
Our jersey pays respect to the traditional owners of Parramatta and is a celebration of their rich heritage. The area of Parramatta was known by the Darug people as Burramatta - "Burra" meaning eel and "matta" meaning creek.
The Eel in the background represents the ancestral spirit of the Parramatta jersey, and is a connection to the Aboriginal Ancestors who look over the land.
Parramatta River is symbolised through the yellow dots running from top to bottom, and the totems represent our Indigenous players coming together at the various meeting points along the River; they include our training facilities, administration office, Parramatta Leagues Club, and our new stadium.
The totem on the top left of the front of jersey, the freshwater longneck turtle, along with the echidna located on the bottom left of the front of jersey, represents Will Smith, a Gumbaynggirr and Anaiwan man. The freshwater longneck turtle, and the echidna are the totems of his country and people.
The totem on the right sleeve, the goanna, represents Blake Ferguson, a Wiradjuri man. The goanna is the totem of his country and people.
The totem on the left middle front of jersey, the koala, represents Bevan French, a Kamiliro man. The koala is the totem of his country and people.
The totem on the bottom right, the shark, represents Josh Hoffman and his family from Badu Island.
The handprints on the back of the jersey symbolise those who helped bring the jersey to life and what it means to their Indigenous culture.
The colours on the back of the jersey represent the Aboriginal flag and pays respect to the original owners of this land.
The side panels illustrate each Premiership the Eels Club has won.
