The Gold Coast SUNS have today launched the club’s 2022 Indigenous guernsey to be worn in this weekend’s Sir Doug Nicholls Clash and in Darwin in Round 11 during national reconciliation week.

This year’s design has been collaboratively developed by Yugambeh artist Luther Cora from the Gold Coast, and Larrakia artist Trent Lee from Darwin.

The guernsey features two distinct animals representing the regions they are native to; a crocodile to signify the Northern Territory and an eagle to denote the Gold Coast.

SUNS Indigenous leader Sean Lemmens said the players were thrilled with this year’s design and couldn’t wait to wear the new guernsey in Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

“It’s obviously an amazing design by Luther Cora and Trent Lee – a Yugambeh man and a Larrakia man coming together,” Lemmens told SUNS Media.

“The whole week is a week to reflect, recognise and represent. Throwing on the guernsey is a bonus at the end of the week to showcase all of our talent and all the hard work we do.”

Luther Cora has been involved in the Indigenous guernsey design every year and said he was proud to once again develop this year’s guernsey alongside Trent Lee.

“Each year I’m always proud to represent the SUNS and show my design on the guernsey,” Mr Cora said.

“I think it’s very important to show the two different elements (of Gold Coast and Darwin) and collaborate with Trent – it all comes together really well.”

There is a background pattern on the design which depicts the waterway, rivers, ocean and skies which connects both the crocodile and the eagle.

The crocodile directly represents the Northern Territory and SUNS players who have direct connection with the land and waterways.

Meanwhile the eagle, which represents the Gold Coast, is a totem to some of the traditional custodians of the land.

The footprints on the design are the animal’s journey and tracks that are left behind when roaming the country.

There is a spear and boomerang on the back of the guernsey which are the traditional weapons/tools commonly used to hunt and gather, and go into battle.

The sun, which has been central to the design of three of the club’s previous Indigenous guernseys and also the club’s game day warm up shirt, is the centrepiece and foundation of the club’s journey.

It also has special significance, representing the meeting place for everyone, connecting people together and embracing people from all cultures and backgrounds.

As has been a consistent theme in previous Indigenous guernseys, the names of Indigenous SUNS players past and present are included on the back of the guernsey.

The 2022 Indigenous Guernsey is now available for purchase through the SUNS Shop online. Click here to get yours today.