New Norcia Invincibles: The pioneering WA Aboriginal team to be honoured at the state's home of cricket

Jarred Cross Published August 8, 2025 at 4.00am (AWST)

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The New Norcia Invincibles, who travelled 130km on foot to play metropolitan colonial teams in the late 19th century. (Image: State Library of Western Australia)

A pioneering team of Aboriginal men hold a special place in the history of Western Australian cricket.

It's a story due to be marked in bronze at the state's home of the sport.

The New Norcia Invincibles will be recognised with a statue at the WACA, in Boorloo, as part of the precinct's redevelopment.

In February 1879, a team from the New Norcia Benedictine Mission travelled 130 kilometres to debut against colonial outfits.

They'd walked the journey to play.

Their legacy tells a similar story to the historic 1868 team of Jardwadjali, Gunditjmara and Wotjobaluk men from Victoria - the first Australian sporting side to travel overseas when they toured England.

Between 1879-1882 and again in 1886, according to a 1940 book by Bob Reece, the Invincibles played against metropolitan sides with great success.

According to records, the team - Paul Jater, Paddy Yappo, John Walley, Benedict Cuper, Anthony Nelabut, Aleck Wagnola, Felix Jackamarra, James Egan, John Blurton, Henry Lefroy, Frederick Yrbel, and Joseph Nogolgot (Captain) - was introduced to the game by a local pastoralist.

They played a "thrilling, fast-paced style of cricket", WA Cricket describes, winning against nearly every opponent they faced.

All this was before the establishment of the Western Australia Cricket Association in 1885.

The home of cricket in the west will soon put their legacy front and centre.

"One of the most powerful features of the redevelopment will be a bronze statue honouring the New Norcia Invincibles, an extraordinary team of Aboriginal cricketers whose story deserves to be seen and celebrated," WA Cricket chief executive John Stephenson told National Indigenous Times.

"This statue stands as a tribute to those remarkable men and their legacy. They truly embody the Spirit of Cricket - fair play, respect, and sportsmanship - and we're proud to tell their story here at the WACA Ground."

Still hosting men's and women's domestic matches and the sole Test of the women's series between Australia and India this coming summer, the WACA Ground is undergoing a $175 million redevelopment, flagged for completion during the upcoming season.

WACA redevelopment in progress. (Image: supplied, WA Cricket)

The Perth City deal is funded by the federal and state governments, local council Cricket Australia and WA Cricket Foundation.

It's a project with the inclusion of the community central to plans.

It will include 10,000 seats and cricket facilities, alongside a community pool, museum, cafe, medical and rehab centre and an "infusion of Aboriginal cultural narrative into the planning and design" alongside other elements.

"Although we're reimagining the venue in many ways, cricket remains at the heart of the WACA Ground. Everything we're doing honours the game's rich traditions while creating spaces for more people to experience it in new ways," Stephenson said.

"When you come to the WACA Ground - whether it's for a swim, a training session, a great coffee or museum visit - you'll be surrounded by heritage, with Aboriginal artwork and design woven throughout the venue.

According to Stephenson, WA "continues to lead the way in acknowledging the contribution of Aboriginal people to our game". He added it's something WA Cricket is proud to do.