Squadron Energy steps aside to let Indigenous artwork take centre stage

The St George Illawarra Dragons have praised major partner, Squadron Energy, for removing its logo from the club’s 2026 Indigenous Jersey, creating additional space for the artwork and the cultural story it represents.

The jersey features Drawing Courage from Country and Community, an original artwork by 16-year-old Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri artist Kooriaani Dunn.

The design celebrates the courage, strength and connection found across Country and community, incorporating culturally significant landmarks across Dharawal Country, including the Five Islands, Mount Keira, Mount Kembla, the ocean, rivers and streams.

Squadron Energy chose to step away from its prominent position on the jersey to ensure the artwork could be presented without interrupting the cultural storytelling, marking the first time an NRL Indigenous jersey has received such treatment.

Dragons CEO Tim Watsford said the decision demonstrated Squadron Energy’s depth of commitment to the club, its First Nations players and the communities represented by the jersey.

“This is a significant gesture from a partner who understands this jersey is much more than something our players wear on game day,” Watsford said.

“Every element carries meaning and tells part of Kooriaani’s story of Country, culture, courage and community.

“For Squadron Energy to voluntarily give up one of the most valuable assets in its partnership so the artwork can breathe and take centre stage speaks volumes about its values.

“Genuine partnerships are demonstrated through actions, and we are incredibly proud to stand alongside Squadron Energy to share this important story.”

Squadron Energy CEO Rob Wheals said the company wanted the artwork and its cultural significance to be the focus of the jersey.

“The Indigenous Round is all about culture, connection and story and in making our decision to not have our logo front and centre, we took a view that during this Indigenous Round the artwork and what it represents should take the lead,” Wheals said.

“We are very proud of that decision because it has created space to give emphasis to the discussion around culture and connection and community and the storytelling.

“Our hope ultimately is that we create a legacy in that we have started an important conversation through this process.”

Kooriaani’s artwork depicts Country singing stories of courage and determination throughout the land.

Whales rise and fall through the design as symbols of power, bravery and strength, while men’s and women’s meeting places represent Dharawal Elders, the Dragons, the people of the Illawarra and the Club’s supporters.

The Dragons’ 2026 Indigenous Jersey will be worn by the Club’s NRL and NRLW teams this weekend at our double header at St. George Venues Jubilee Stadium on August 9.

Squadron Energy’s continued commitment to community and reconciliation will be on show next week during the Dragons Squadron Blitz of Western NSW.

The Dragons will hit over a dozen schools across Gilgandra, Coonamble, Walgett and Gulargambone on August 11-12 thanks to Squadron, including the playing of the Ricky Walford Shield.

Walford, a Dragons great, will be in attendance along with fellow former legend Nathan Blacklock and current players from the NRL squad.