Round that gives Cody goosebumps
SOUTH Sydney superstar Cody Walker circles one round every year when the draw is announced and it isn’t the Redfern club’s fierce rivalry against neighbours Sydney Roosters.
For the proud Bundjalung and Yuin man, the NRL’s Indigenous Round is the game that means the most to him every season.
“It means absolutely everything. I’m sure I speak for everyone in the game that is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander,” Walker said
“They circle this round every year and it is probably their favourite round every year.
“It’s an opportunity for us to wear our families’ traditions and to represent our families and where we are from. It’s pretty special.”
Walker said the round was not just an opportunity to celebrate his heritage but to bring the culture of First Nations people to the rest of the country.
“The pre-game you hear the didgeridoo, it puts goosebumps on your neck. The feeling that you feel when you are there, it gets you fired up for the game,” Walker said.
“The week leading into the game you do a lot of reflecting on being Aboriginal and being proud of that.
“It sets up a great game on the weekend.”
The Rabbitohs will boast at least four players with an Indigenous background on Saturday night when they take on a Wests Tigers side that will feature proud Aboriginal men Tyrone Peachey and Brent Naden.
But the NRL’s strong representation of First Nations people now extends into the women’s game.
St George Illawarra and NSW Origin hooker Quincy Dodd said she had witnessed the growth in participation of Indigenous women first-hand.
The 22-year old is hoping the rise of the NRLW will encourage young Indigenous girls to take up rugby league.
“I’m super proud to see the women’s representations has grown so much, especially in the Indigenous space,” Dodd said.
“A couple of years ago when we had trials there was only about 20 players, this year we had about 40 girls.
“It’s amazing to see the growth. There are young girls who have something to look up to now.”
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said the governing body was committed to growing the pathways for Indigenous players, coaches and referees.
“Indigenous representation in rugby league continues to be strong, but we need to create even more pathways and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” Abdo said.
“Passionate and talented Indigenous athletes have helped shape the game for decades. We owe it to them to keep building our programs and pathways so that even more young Indigenous Australians can realise their dreams in the NRL and NRLW.”