A smoking ceremony and yarning circle storytime at Tullawong State High School has marked the launch of this year’s Wallaroos First Nations jersey, with prop Madi Schuck branding the occasion a “special moment”.
Schuck and fellow front rower Eva Karpani were welcomed on Gubbi Gubbi land by elder Bradley Stephenson, who led a student contingent in traditional song before sharing the story of how the Glasshouse mountains were formed.
The Wallaroos pair received especially warm welcomes from Tullawong SHS’s aspiring rugby juniors seeking advice.
“It’s just one of those things I never got to experience growing up – it’s hard to put into words,” Schuck said.
“I love the folklore and I love the myths to the land because it explains how it came to be.
“And it was great being able to speak with students (Tabitha and Heidi) as well – I was giving them tips cause they’re wingers and saying how they never get the ball but it’s been a while since I played on the wing!”
Mr Stephenson said welcoming the Wallaroos onto Gubbi Gubbi land was an important step to build connection ahead of next week’s Test on country at Dolphin Stadium (Redcliffe).
“For thousands of years our people have walked these lands and nurtured these lands and what you’ve seen today is same work they did many thousands of years ago,” Mr Stephenson said.
“It’s fantastic we’re able to have this game played on Gubbi Gubbi land and have these jerseys presented to the school
“They will be put in a place of pride for us and it’s special to know we’ve that connection with the Wallaroos.”
Schuck, who identifies as being born in Turrbal country (in Brisbane), is hopeful of once again representing both country and culture by pulling on the First Nations jersey against New Zealand.
“Last year was the first time I got to wear that jersey for both (Reds and Wallaroos) and whenever I get to wear that jersey it gets a special place in my heart.
“it’s one of those ones I’ll never ever give away because It means so much to me – I even got it tattooed on the back of my arm with the boomerang on it because it was the first year I was able to play with my combined history together.”
“We go into camp on Thursday but we’re just pumped and ready to go (against the Black Ferns).
“There’s always a belief we can do it but this year we’re the hungriest we’ve ever been to get out there and beat New Zealand.
“We’ve come close a couple of times but we just need to finish that game and go the full 80 minutes.”
