To celebrate NRL’s Close the Gap round this weekend we have released a special jersey to mark the occasion – a jersey that proud Indigenous ambassador Preston Campbell has helped design. The Titans will be playing in this special jersey when we clash with the Sea Eagles at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday.
In 2009, the National Rugby League became the first sporting code in Australia to partner with Close the Gap. A national, coalition campaign made up of this nation’s leading health and community organizations, Close the Gap is committed to obliterating the health inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.
With the Titans having the most Indigenous players in their squad that any other NRL club, and Titans 4 Tomorrow putting more resources into Indigenous youth programs than any other club, it is something we are passionate about.
Details of activities leading up to the round will be released at a later date but Titans fans can buy their Close the Gap jersey, modelled above by Aidan Sezer, is now available through the Titans’ team store.
‘Presto’ was commissioned to design a special Indigenous jumper which through spectacular artwork reflects a personal journey. Using two original pieces of his artwork, the team at BLK have created a range unique to the Gold Coast and the Titans.
The Dolphin depicted on the back of the jersey is a totem of the native Kombumerri people who have inhabited the Gold Coast for well over 20,000 years while the stingray, sand crab, turtle and dugong are sea creatures which Preston has encountered during his time on the Gold Coast. The circular, dotted images depict the journey of a warrior and depict Preston’s journey in rugby league from small and humble beginnings.
While the warriors profile and standing in the community grows considerably, it doesn’t change in colour or shape. And then at the end of his career, there is a transition back to community and to where it all started, but this time as a wise and respected contributor.
Positioned down each side of the jersey are the shields along with traditional battle axes and spears represent the seventeen warriors who take the field to represent the Gold Coast Titans each weekend. The background to this spectacular jersey features a constellation of stars representing the way community leaders and sports stars are often portrayed at the peak of their powers.
Finally the jersey is beautifully featured with Preston’s hand mark and signature. This special garment is only available in limited numbers so avoid disappointment and pre-order yours today.
Click on this link to purchase: http://shop.titans.com.au/category-s/1827.htm
