The Canberra Raiders have launched their 2026 Indigenous Round Jersey in NAIDOC Week, designed by NRL School to Work program graduate and Yorta Yorta Woman, Annalise Hanger.
Raiders Indigenous stars Daine Laurie, Sebastian Kris, Vena Patuki-Case, Xavier Savage, Bobbi Law, Gabriella Savage, Grace Kemp, Krystal Blackwell and Madyson Tooth all helped launch this year’s jersey and retail range, alongside Raiders captain Joe Tapine and his family, who share a deep connection with Indigenous culture through his wife Kirsten and children Ilua and Zeke.
The 2026 Indigenous Jersey artist Annalise Hanger is a Yorta Yorta woman who was raised on Gundungurra country and has a strong connection to Ngunnawal country.
When envisioning the artwork, Annalise was certain to honour the lands and people who raised her, with the bottom of the jersey incorporating ancestral representation whose enduring spirits continue to protect and guide this Country.
The seven clans that form the Ngunnawal Nation are across the middle. The artwork incorporates the Maliyan (wedge-tailed eagle), native shrubs and wattle, mountain ranges, and the rivers that flow into the Murrumbidgee across Ngunnawal Country.
The side of jersey displays track marks, recognising that each person comes from different walks of life and holds a unique story.
Finally, the top of the jersey honors the matriarchs of Ngunnawal country, paying homage to the women who play a vital role as leaders in the community.
Ms. Hanger was excited to design a jersey that the players could wear with pride while creating something with strong ties to the land she was raised on.
“These elements were intentionally included to create something the players can wear with pride. While not all may call this land ‘home’, they play where Ngunnawal ancestors are guiding and protecting them and their loved ones,” Hanger said.
“This piece represents the seven clans that form the Ngunnawal Nation, highlighting their deep connection to and significance within the land.”
“In particular, I sought to recognise and celebrate the matriarchal presence, emphasising the vital role of women both throughout history and within contemporary society.”
The launch coincides with NAIDOC Week (5 – 12 July), which in 2026 celebrates ‘50 Years of Deadly,’ marking five decades of the NAIDOC movement, honoring the generations of Elders, organisers, artists, and communities who have carried the movement forward and shaped its future.
Hanger showed her appreciation to the NRL School to Work Program, which supports young Indigenous Australians with work experience, mentoring and leadership opportunities.
“Through my final years of school, I worked with the School to Work Program. I had lots of opportunities to practice my culture and learn off other mentors within that area,” Hanger said.
One of those mentors was the artist behind the 2024 Raiders Indigenous Jersey, Eddie Longford.
“I got to work with Eddie in Canberra, doing some mural painting. Eddie really helped me improve my skills and become more passionate about my art,” Hanger said.
Raiders NRLW recruit Bobbi Law was excited by this year’s jersey and the opportunity to wear it for the first time in Indigenous Round in 2026.
“I think it’s so incredibly special that Indigenous Round is a part of when the women are playing. I’m really looking forward to wearing this jersey,” Law said.
“When speaking with the artist, the story about the jersey is really connecting and especially for someone who is not from this beautiful country.”
“To connect with Annalise, her story and the story behind this jersey is really special.”
Raider #410 Vena Patuki-Case mentioned how much Indigenous Round meant to him and the opportunity of wearing this year’s jersey.
“It means everything. Having a whole round to represent who I am and to get the opportunity to wear this jersey is honouring,” said Patuki-Case.
“I think it looks awesome this year. Hopefully I get to wear it and represent my family, my friends and my ancestors.”
