The Parramatta Eels have launched a Pasifika training shirt to celebrate this week’s Multicultural Round.
Designed by Samoan artist Tavita Mose with input from the Eels’ Pasifika NRL and NRLW players, the shirt is on sale now.
The design incorporates aspects of Samoan, Tongan, Māori, Fijian, Cook Islands and Indigenous Australian culture.
Eels co-captain and Toa Samoa captain Junior Paulo applauded the shirt’s launch as a landmark moment in the representation of Pasifika players in rugby league.
“It’s quite special to finally have a representation of all our cultures,” Paulo said.
“We have known the Parramatta system to develop a lot of Pasifika players and we’ve always known we’ve had a strong connection with our cultures.
“When you’re coming through you probably didn’t imagine this ever to happen, so I think it’s quite a statement to see how much we’ve evolved as a club and as a game.”
Introducing the Eels' Pasifika training shirt
The shirt will be worn in training ahead of the Eels’ Multicultural Round match against Manly Sea Eagles on Thursday night.
