Welcome to country ceremonies will be held as planned before both Thursday’s Women’s State of Origin clash and the men’s Magic Round, which gets under way on Friday, as the NRL remains committed to its Reconciliation Action Plan despite the politicisation of the practice.
Coalition leader Peter Dutton said the ceremonies were “overdone” in a televised debate on Sunday with prime minister Anthony Albanese, who said deciding whether to include a welcome to country was up to individual organisations but that the practice was a “matter of respect”.
The federal election will be held on Saturday, and Dutton trails Albanese in the latest polls.
The NRL confirmed on Tuesday morning their existing policy to include a welcome to country at major events would continue, including the two occasions already scheduled for this week.
“We will continue with our usual practices which includes a welcome to country for Women’s State of Origin and the beginning of Magic Round,” the league said. “The protocols are an important part of the NRL’s Reconciliation Action Plan.”
The organisation’s Reconciliation Action Plan commits the NRL to invite a local traditional owner or custodian to provide a welcome to country or other appropriate cultural protocol at all NRL significant events each year, including the NRL All Stars, Magic Round, State of Origin, grand final and Dally Ms. Its welcome to country policy was reviewed last year.
Other sporting codes have also backed the practice this week. Rugby Australia confirmed a live welcome to country will feature at all home Wallabies Tests this year and Football Australia committed to continue holding the ceremonies.
“Football Australia remains deeply committed to Reconciliation in Australia. As the ‘world game’, it is our responsibility and privilege to share the rich histories and cultures of Australia’s First Nations peoples with the world,” a spokesperson said.
“Our First Nations peoples and cultures are important [to] our game. We continue to find meaningful ways to show our respect, including through acknowledgments and welcomes to country at major events, staff and leadership gatherings, and large stakeholder meetings. Our new national team jersey proudly pays homage to the deep cultural heritage, artistry, and enduring spirit of First Nations peoples, carrying their stories on to the global stage.”
Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin said she was “broken-hearted” after she was told she was no longer required for a welcome to country before the Melbourne Storm’s match against Souths on Friday.
Murphy said the Storm then reversed its position and apologised, but she declined to proceed. The club blamed a “miscommunication” for the confusion.
Officials hope a crowd in excess of 30,000 will be at Suncorp Stadium for Thursday night’s first game of the Women’s State of Origin series, and even more people are expected for the three days of Magic Round starting on Friday.
The first match between Cronulla and Parramatta features prominent Indigenous players Nicho Hynes, the Sharks’ halfback, and Eels winger Josh Addo-Carr.
