NRL 2021: Brisbane Broncos unveil Indigenous jersey ahead of Melbourne Storm clash

It’s been quite a while between drinks for the Broncos, but it’s hoped that a special Indigenous Round jersey will at least work some magic and inspire them to what would be an amazing upset.

17-05-2021 Brisbane Broncos player Ethan Bullemor wearing the Broncos Indigenous jersey. PICTURE: Brad Fleet

The Broncos will on Tuesday unveil their 2021 Indigenous jersey ahead next week’s Indigenous Round clash with Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium as the club prepares for a challenging month of footy.

The jersey – designed by Elaine Chambers-Hegarty and celebrates the club’s decade-long partnership with Deadly Choices – incorporates the shape of a football in the jersey centre with line markings replicating journeys through life as well as six stars representing the club’s six premiership wins.

Young Brisbane forward Ethan Bullemor said the NRL’s Indigenous Round was an important part of the rugby league calendar.

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Brisbane Broncos player Ethan Bullemor wearing the Broncos Indigenous jersey.

“It’s massively important to the game and to the community,” Bullemor said.

“They’re a massive part of our society and we’ve got really proud Indigenous heritage in the NRL.

“There have been a lot of great Indigenous players, past and present, in the game so it’s really important to take the time to pay respect to them.”

It comes as the Broncos were subjected to a tough Monday morning training session as they prepare for a brutal five-week period in which they face the Roosters, Storm, Dragons and Rabbitohs.

The Broncos playing group were still reeling from Friday’s demoralising 50-6 Magic Round defeat to Manly in a performance coach Kevin Walters labelled as “soft”.

It was Brisbane’s heaviest defeat against Manly and has left the Broncos sitting second-last on the premiership ladder ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Roosters.

Brisbane Broncos player Ethan Bullemor wearing the Broncos Indigenous jersey. Picture: Brad Fleet

Bullemor said the intensity at Monday’s training session had lifted as the playing group looked to bounce back from their “soft” outing last weekend.

“We didn’t mix anything up, there was by no means a punishment session, but we definitely worked hard and it’s important to recognise the only way to get out of this is hard work,” he said.

“It’s a tough time for us all and there’s no point making excuses.

“It stings a little bit from the weekend but we just have to turn up and put in the work here at training and eventually things will turn.

“It’s definitely been a tough time.

“We’ve got the basis of something special here at the club, with a lot of really talented players.

“We’ve dug ourselves into a hole and we’re the only people who can get us out of it.

“We all want to be better.

Ethan Bullemor wearing the Broncos Indigenous jersey at the club’s Red Hill base. Picture: Brad Fleet

“It’s just about improving our own personal performances.”

Brisbane will likely be without backrower Jordan Riki for Saturday’s game against the Roosters, opening the door for young gun Brendan Piakura.

Bullemor played alongside Piakura for Norths Devils in Round 3 of the Intrust Super Cup and has been impressed by the youngster’s talent.

“He’s a pretty talented kid and he’s only about 18 or 19-years-old and has a fair resume already,” he said.

“He’s a solid backrower, runs a hard line and is a really good defender.

“He’s been training really well with us this year and had some strong performances in the QCup.

“If it’s him or whoever else, they will do their best for the team.”