The Canberra Raiders and HMAS Harman have joined forces to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy for the 2026 NRL ANZAC Round.
Raiders NRL players Savelio Tamale, Jayden Brailey and Ethan Sanders, and NRLW players Sheridan Gallagher and Ellie Brander, joined members of the Royal Australian Navy at the HMAS Canberra Memorial in Canberra, to help launch the jersey which will be worn in the ANZAC Round against the Wests Tigers.
The 2026 jersey holds special significance for the Canberra community, showcasing a unique collaboration with Canberra’s own HMAS Harman through elements embedded in the design.
The design features several links to the Navy and HMAS Harman, with the jersey concept developed by Sub Lieutenant Jackson Gibbs, RAN and other Navy personnel.
The main design features the Navy’s maritime multi-patterned uniform (MMPU), which is an official uniform worn by Navy sailors and officers.
The left-hand sleeve features the official patch to recognise the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy, with the right-hand sleeve featuring HMAS Harman’s official patch.
The top of both shoulders features the insignia of the rank of Able Seaman, recognising the Navy’s most populated rank and the significance of junior sailor ranks in the Royal Australian Navy.
The bottom back of the jersey features the words ‘Yield Not’, which is the English translation of the Latin “Ne Cede”, the motto of HMAS Harman.
Commanding Officer HMAS Harman, Commander Dean Thompson, RAN, said the connection between HMAS Harman, the Raiders and the local community will be on display this ANZAC Round.
“ANZAC Round provides a powerful opportunity for the Raiders, the Navy and the ACT community to stand together in recognition of those who have served, suffered and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy,” Commander Thompson said.
“When the Raiders run out in this jersey, they carry with them the stories of those who served before us, those who never returned and those who continue to stand watch today, at sea and ashore.
“It is a visible reminder that remembrance is not confined to one day, it is something we live through our actions, values and community connections.”
Commander Thompson added that the significance of the Royal Australian Navy’s 125th anniversary was well represented.
“For 125 years, thousands of Australians have chosen service in our Australian Navy,” he said. “They have trained to be the best, forged unbreakable bonds and made sacrifices that shape Australia’s future, while supported by families at home.
“As Navy commemorate 125 years of service, we honour the generations of sailors who have protected our way of life and strengthened global relationships.”
Sub Lieutenant Jackson Gibbs, who is posted to HMAS Harman, said he was proud to contribute to the jersey’s design and was looking forward to seeing the Raiders wearing the design this ANZAC Round.
“I was fortunate enough to be asked to do the first few mock-ups of the jersey,” Sub Lieutenant Gibbs said. “It meant a lot to me as I come from a creative background and to be able to use that now, working with the Royal Australian Navy is a real honour. It will be exciting to see our design running onto the field.”
Canberra Raiders CEO Don Furner said the Raiders were proud to connect with HMAS Harman this ANZAC Round and said the relationship between the two organisations had already progressed further than the ANZAC Round jersey.
“A lot of Canberrans might not realise Canberra has an active Naval base, but HMAS Harman has been in Canberra and operational for almost 100 years,” Furner said. “The Raiders are proud to collaborate with HMAS Harman this ANZAC Round, and to help commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy is very special.
“We’ve been working with HMAS Harman since last year on this collaboration, and our relationship has already extended, with serving members of HMAS Harman joining us on-field at home games this season to help with the Viking Clap.
“Canberra has a very proud and established defence community and we’re proud to represent them again this ANZAC Round.”
The Raiders will play the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval this year, with the Thursday night fixture on April 23 being the first of the 2026 ANZAC Round.
Get your own ANZAC Round Jersey via Raiders Shop now.
