Melbourne Storm is proud to release our 2022 Indigenous jersey designed by Coree Thorpe, a proud Yorta Yorta, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Wurundjeri man and artist, who has used the inspiration of the Rainbow Serpent for his special creation.
The jersey will be worn for the opening match of the NRL’s Indigenous Round next week with Storm to take on arch-rivals Manly on Thursday night at AAMI Park.
A long-time Storm supporter, Coree has strengthened his connection with Melbourne in recent years through his Leadership and Community Development role at Dardi Munwurro, an indigenous organisation which has a long-standing partnership with the club.
The 2022 jersey’s design connects all facets of the Storm family, representing players, coaches, staff, members and fans across its features.
“I like to tell a story and Storm has an amazing story,” Coree explained.
For me, it was about bringing that to life and being able to put that onto a jumper so the people who are a part of that, not only on the field, feel connected to this artwork.
Coree Thorpe 2022 Indigenous Jersey artist
Coree has used a familiar tale of the Rainbow Serpent to draw a connection to Storm and the club’s journey in the NRL throughout its first 24 years. The tale has strong ties to Storm’s journey up and down the east coast of Australia in recent season and also provides a symbol for how regeneration is required for each new season.
The lines on the jersey, coloured yellow and orange, represent Storm’s active years in the NRL with the orange lines symbolising years where the club has won a Grand Final, while the purple lines represent the ribs - the people and the players of the organisation.
Diamonds adorn each side of the artwork, symbolising the men and women who come together to form Melbourne Storm.
“Like the snake, each year changes. It’s the shedding of people, players but the journey continues. It’s stronger, it learns, it heals and changes,” Coree shared.
“You’ve got to understand where you’ve come from to know where you are going and I think Storm do that very well.
“I want it to be a jersey where the players put it on and feel connected and strong.”
Coree Thorpe: Our Indigenous Jersey artist
With 17 Indigenous players having worn the purple jersey throughout the club’s history, Storm is proud to represent and celebrate these cultures, not only through the jersey, but at its home ground of AAMI Park, on the land of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.
