Indigenous Students Shine in Dolphins NRL Boot Art Collaboration

As part of NAIDOC Week 2025 celebrations, Indigenous students from St Brendan’s College have taken centre stage in a unique collaboration with the Dolphins NRL team, showcasing their artistic talent and cultural pride through custom-designed football boots.

The initiative was spearheaded by Keely Marr, the College's Indigenous Liaison Officer, and Scott Minto, Head Coach of the College’s 1st XV, who collaborated to propose a boot art competition involving students to the Dolphins. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

Following the submission of 11 original designs, two standout artworks were selected to be worn by Dolphins players:

Labron Bartlett and Tyus Matasia-Morseu collaborated on a striking design created for Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

Kirra-Mun Doyle produced a distinctive design chosen for Trai Fuller.

Trent Hodkinson, Dolphins Pathways and Wellbeing Manager, visited St Brendan’s College to personally collect the boots. A special presentation is scheduled to take place at Dolphins Headquarters, where the students’ work will be formally celebrated.  Read more The First Nations artists behind the boots | Dolphins.

“This project has been an incredible opportunity for our students to express their culture through art,” said Marr. “To see their designs embraced by professional athletes is a moment of pride not just for them, but for our entire College community.”

The collaboration highlights the power of sport and creativity in promoting Indigenous excellence and strengthening community connections.