Cowboys team up with NRL Cowboys House to create Indigenous designed boots

Boots painted by students from Townsville’s Cowboys House will be worn by the Cowboys players for the NRL Indigenous Round.

North Queensland Cowboys player Scott Drinkwater with Cowboys House student Elson Asai, 13, from Yorke Island in the Torres Strait with the painted boot. Picture: Evan Morgan

An idea from a star Cowboys player has resulted in a collaboration between the team and NRL Cowboys House.

The idea to create custom designed Indigenous boots was lead by Scott Drinkwater, who approached the Cowboys programs manager with the idea of having unique designs for the players boots for the NRL’s Indigenous Round.

NRL Cowboys House is home to more than 100 Indigenous secondary students from remote communities who attend school in Townsville, removing distance as a barrier to their education.

Cowboys House cultural co-ordinator Vincent Babia said the students spent two weeks creating the boots which will be worn on Friday nights game against the Wests Tigers at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

“The students were really happy and enjoyed it,” he said.

North Queensland Cowboys player Reuben Cotter with Cowboys House cultural co-ordinator Vincent Babia with the painted boots. Picture: Evan Morgan

Scott Drinkwater said it was a special project to be part of.

“We have such a big Indigenous population up here and the Cowboys House is such a great thing for the community,” he said.

North Queensland Cowboys player Scott Drinkwater with Cowboys House student Elson Asai, 13, from Yorke Island in the Torres Strait with the painted boots. Picture: Evan Morgan

“It’s pretty special to be able to run out and present the artwork. Elson got to paint my boots and now he gets his artwork on the big stage. I am excited for him more than anything.”
13-year-old Cowboys House student Elson Asai from Yorke Island in the Torres Strait said his idea for the design of the Drinkwater’s boots took ‘a couple of days’, with the final result based on the Indigenous flag and cultural paintings.

“My design shows a kangaroo looking for water,” he said.

The player-signed Indigenous boots will be put up for auction, raising funds for the Cowboys Community Foundation which supports the NRL Cowboys House.

Indigenous jerseys, signed by the players carrying the ‘Nhinhinhi’ design, designed by NRL Cowboys

House boarding parent Bradley Michael, will also be auctioned following the game.

Originally published as Cowboys team up with NRL Cowboys House to create Indigenous designed boots