As the Jillaroos prepare to defend their Pacific Championship title against the Kiwi Ferns, the squad have been celebrating milestones and incorporating special themes to promote connectedness.
As part of acknowledging the 30th anniversary of the Australian Jillaroos, coach Jess Skinner and team manager Anna Byrne were proud to unveil the new Heritage training jersey to players, a design that celebrates the diverse mix of cultures that make up the national team.
Artist Joseph Masi (Studio 11x) shared his vision with the players during their first week of Pacific Championships camp and explained how he took the concept from an idea into reality.
The jersey design represents the diverse backgrounds of past the present Jillaroos players, showcasing 13 different countries and heritages, incorporating their significant cultural symbols.
Some of these include the Niho Taniwha pattern from traditional Māori culture, symbolising strength, leadership, guardianship and the wisdom passes down through generations which has been placed at the base of the design to represent the strong foundations for the Jillaroos.
The Celtic knot pattern on the sleeves represents interconnectedness, while the inclusion of a woven mat design symbolises unity and strength, carrying deep cultural meaning across all Pacific Island nations.
The Heritage jersey highlights the 13 different cultures of players who have represented the Australian Jillaroos so far.
©Chloe Davis / NRL Images
For coach Jess Skinner, it was a culmination of months of work and collaboration behind the scenes with Joseph and past players to see the jersey come to life.
“The Heritage jersey started as an idea in our last campaign and we really wanted to bring all of the cultural backgrounds of all of our past players to the fore,” Skinner said.
“Being in the 30-year anniversary, it was a great opportunity to make that connection … we reached out to a few of the past players and they were happy to (give us feedback to) help bring that together and bring that to life.
“It is a representation that as Australians, we have many different cultures.
“I have always loved ‘we are one, but we are many’ [from ‘I am Australian’] and that is the Heritage jersey.
“No matter what cultural background you come from, the Australian jersey represents that too.
“When we first were raised in this idea, Kennedy Cherrington was the one who put Joseph forward; she’d done some stuff with him and loved his work …
“When we met him, he just understood what we were trying to do and he was really passionate about what we’re doing as well.
“We also had a few conversations with some of the Jillaroos Old Girls … pulling together (thoughts on) what the jersey means, what cultural experiences they brought into the space.
“When I think about the jersey; it’s unifying people and strengthening and connecting, they were the main words that would come out … Diversity is one of our strengths.
“We always talk about everyone bringing themselves to this team, and that representation of that jersey has just been beautifully put together by Joseph and the past players as a gift to the current playing group.”
Jillaroos Kezie Apps and Sarah Togatuki with Samoa’s Pihuka Berryman-Duff and Taliah Fuimaono.
©Chloe Davis / NRL Images
As a Samoan-Australian, Jillaroos forward Sarah Togatuki said she “felt proud” when she first saw the Heritage jersey and heard the story behind it.
“I was teary when Joseph was explaining the jersey and how it carries the history, strength and connection of so many cultures that make up our team of past and present players,” Togatuki said.
“It’s special knowing that it represents more than just the game, when we put it on it’s a nice reminder about our identity and where every player came from.
“It’s important because our team is made up of women from all walks of life.
“Celebrating different cultures shows respect for each person’s journey and reminds us that our diversity is our strength.
“It brings us closer together and helps us play for something bigger than ourselves.
“I’m Samoan, born in Australia, and proud of both. My culture keeps me grounded; it’s where my values of faith, family, and hard work come from.
“Carrying that with me every time I pull on the green and gold means a lot.”
As a Jillaroos ‘Old Girl’, Veronica White was one of the people who contributed her thoughts to the jersey’s concept.
The NRL Hall of Famer said it was important to ensure everyone’s contribution to the team was recognised.
“Not just by your state or club of origin, but your cultural and ancestral links which have physically and spiritually given you the opportunity and freedom to pursue your potential in rugby league,” White said.
“The jersey is symbolic of all of these, including the team’s core values which they uphold as leaders of the next generation of female rugby league players in not only Australia, but abroad.
“Our pioneers and foundation players hold the jersey in such high esteem, simply because they had to sacrifice so much to just play the game.
“As they say “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it”; so, we had to create those opportunities not only for ourselves, but for the many women and girls who ever dreamt about having those same opportunities.
“As a player, I never reached my potential in the game. I loved playing the game, embracing the spirit and friendships I hold today, and representing the Jillaroos – that became my aspiration … Demanding equity for every women and girl has been a personal journey for me, and it continues to be.”
Quincy Dodd at Jillaroos training in the Heritage jersey.
©Chloe Davis / NRL Images
Proud Dharug Indigenous woman Quincy Dodd was “honoured” to be part of the playing group wearing it for the first time.
“The Heritage jersey represents the roots of each player of where they come from, who they represent, and the values that defines each player,” Dodd said.
“It’s a way to honour the ancestors and community, showing that their story continues through the Jillaroos.
“The moments that shaped what the team stands for today.
“It’s a reminder that the past and present are a part of something bigger than just their name; but their culture and who they are.
“A legacy built on hard work, pride, and passion. Wearing it can feel like carrying forward the spirit of those who came before us.
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“I got quite emotional once Joseph talked about the journey of making the jersey.
“He mentioned it took a while, but wow! He did an amazing masterpiece.
“To me, a heritage jersey is about belonging.
“It’s not just fabric and colours, it’s memories, pride, and connection. It reminds me of the people who inspired me, the moments that made me proud, and the journey that continues.”