Melbourne Storm is proud to unveil its 2025 Indigenous Jersey to be worn in its Round 23 clash against the Brisbane Broncos.
Created by Warumungu and Yawuru man David Roe (Roey), the jersey will be worn during the NRL’s Indigenous Round and is a powerful and symbolic design that represents the journey of the Club’s past and present Indigenous players.
A Story of Journey and Unity
On the front of the jersey are meeting places that represent the different states and territories. The meeting places are joined by journey lines that represent the collective path of Indigenous players, past and present and emerging, from north, south, east and west of this homeland. All the players that come through the journey line meet here at AAMI Park, on Wurundjeri Country, to be able to showcase their talent and wear the Storm colours.
The dot painting draws from Roey’s heritage in Warumungu Country (Tennant Creek), while the inclusion of turtles honour his maternal ties to Yawuru Country, near Broome. Five turtles feature prominently on the design, representing Roey himself, his partner, and their three children. As told to Roey by his grandfather, Jack, the turtles live throughout generations. Once the turtles are hatched and survive at sea, they return to lay eggs in the same place they were hatched. “This turtle can also represent my family living on throughout generations” Roey says.
Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future
This philosophy aligns with the legacy of the Melbourne Old Boys, a group of former players who return annually to reconnect with the Club, reinforcing that culture that lives on through reconnection, storytelling and continuity. The next generation of Storm players will follow this same journey line.
A horseshoe design on the back of the jersey acknowledges Head Coach Craig Bellamy and the 17 Indigenous players who have worn the Storm jersey, including a special recognition of Storm’s first Indigenous player, player #38 Peter Robinson (Robbo). The design on the bottom back part of the jersey represents fish traps, a key part of Robbo’s Muruwari culture. Roey painted Robbo’s family at the centre of the design, which is wrapped by the fish trap. The fish trap represented in this design is similarly shaped as a love heart.
Roey has a relationship with Will Chambers from the Northern Territory and wanted to highlight his achievements and his contribution to Storm, the game, representing his club, Queensland, Australia and the Indigenous All Stars.
Celebrating our Culture
Using dot line work with contemporary colours the 2025 Indigenous Jersey is a celebration of identity, unity, and intergenerational storytelling, and a visual commitment to honouring First Nations culture, both on and off the field.