A&D Graduate designs 2017 West Tigers Indigenous jersey

Professional sporting clubs often update, refresh, or completely re-design the look and feel of their jerseys. These dynamic changes are an opportunity for clubs to connect with new generations of supporters, to highlight and celebrate historic moments and to raise awareness of important community concerns and issues. 

The NRL’s Indigenous Round aims to celebrate the contribution of Indigenous players and cultures to the game and to create greater public awareness of the significant social, economic and cultural issues that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In 2016 and again in 2017, the Wests Tigers invited UNSW Art & Design graduate and long-standing club member, Dennis Golding, to design their Indigenous jersey. 

Golding’s design is a deliberate reference to the merger of two successful yet disparate teams, the Balmain Tigers and the Western Suburbs Magpies in 2000. At the centre of his artwork is the symbolic set of rings signifying a meeting place. Golding says his concept was about bringing together two teams and two communities and uniting them in a place where they can develop new strengths, skills, and a commitment to each other.

Golding’s original artwork will be auctioned and all proceeds will go to the Close the Gap Campaign aimed improving the health and life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.    

Golding’s 2017 Indigenous jersey will be worn in the Wests Tiger’s Round 10 clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium.

The 2017 Indigenous Round takes place 12 – 16 May, 2017.