NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo says rugby league has always listened and will continue to listen to Indigenous Voices on the journey forward ahead of the competition's Indigenous Round this weekend.
The league launched its Indigenous Round at Bare Island off La Perouse in Sydney's south on Tuesday, a week after announcing its support for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Between May 18-21, NRL clubs will take the field in jerseys incorporating First Nations design and engage with culture across round 12.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys acknowledged the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture in a momentous year for recognition and reconciliation.
"NRL Indigenous Round is a truly special week in our calendar. Our First Nations communities have incredibly deep bonds with Rugby League and are part of our fabric at all levels of the game, from grassroots participants and fans to the Indigenous stars who light up the NRL and NRLW," V'landys said.
"It is through listening to and learning from Indigenous voices in our game that we can continue to move forward as the greatest game for all.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is ingrained in Rugby League. The game's bonds with Indigenous communities run deep and have always helped drive learning and change.
"This week, we celebrate those bonds and call on everyone in the game to listen, learn and use their voices, so we can lift up Indigenous voices."
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said the league celebrates the contribution of Indigenous Australians to the game, and has a role in championing it.
"As the only national sporting organisation with an Elevate RAP, we have a leadership role to play in educating and storytelling about the Indigenous communities and cultures who give so much to Rugby League," Abdo said.
"Indigenous Round is a time to celebrate culture and community so that our whole game feels empowered to move forward together."
NRL Indigenous Round kicks off with the Broncos hosting the Panthers at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday.
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Photo: (left to right) Former Penrith and South Sydney player Rhys Wesser, Parramatta NRL player Monique Donovan, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, Parramatta NRLW player Nakia David Welsh, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, Sydney Roosters NRL player Connor Watson and Canterbury-Bankstown NRL player Braidon Burns. (Pic by: Grant Trouville/NRL)
