'Deep sense of pride': What Indigenous Round means to Sharks stars

Cronulla's Indigenous NRL and NRLW players will harness their cultural totems during a significant double-header against the Dragons at Jubilee Stadium this Saturday.

The Sharks' NRL team includes six First Nations members: Nicho Hynes, Braydon Trindall, Jesse Ramien, Will Kennedy, Niwhai Puru, and Hohepa Puru. In addition, the NRLW squad features several Indigenous players, including Quincy Dodd, Nakia Davis-Welsh, Caitlan Johnston-Green, Jada Taylor, Rhiannon Byers, and Tommaya Kelly-Sines.

The design by Ardler prominently showcases a humpback whale, a totem deeply rooted in the Cronulla region, along with intricate patterns that symbolize the landforms and oceans of Dharawal country.

Retired Sharks premiership player Andrew Fifita, who identifies as a Wiradjuri man, shared insights regarding Ardler's design with the NRL squad earlier this week.