“Do you recognise me?” These are the words spoken by Johnathan Thurston in the NRL’s latest video ahead of this year's Indigenous round.
The National Rugby League has once again partnered with the Federal Government’s Recognise, the body responsible for driving the campaign to change the Australian Constitution to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Uploaded two days ago, the 30 second video features Indigenous legends Greg Inglis, Sam Thaiday and Johnathan Thurston calling on Australia to support the campaign that’s rallying for constitutional recognition.
It’s the third year the NRL has partnered with Recognise.
“While you might recognise my face, my people, the First Australians aren’t recognised in our nation’s constitution," says Broncos Sam Thaiday.
The video posted on the NRL's Facebook page was sent to its 1.1million followers.
It will be played throughout the round that pays tribute to the many Indigenous players and communities that play a vital role within the game and society.
“All Australians deserve a level playing field,” adds Thaiday to conclude the emotionally charged video.
Community divided
The video, which has so far attracted more than 900 Facebook 'Likes', and over 50 comments, has generated a mixed response.
Some applauded the NRL for the initiative, but overwhelmingly most of the comments called it: 'Disappointing', ‘Disgusting' while others branded it a ‘Government manipulation’.
Some even said the concept of the round was working against reconciliation.
The first game of the Indigenous Round kicks off on Thursday night, when the St George Illawarra Dragons play the Canberra Raiders at Jubilee Oval.
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