The bold artwork to the new Reds Indigenous jersey, designed by Madi Schuck, captures so many elements that are at the core of her rugby journey.
The striking jersey is the latest from Canterbury and is a unique celebration of the long history of Queensland rugby.
This proud presentation of the 14th Queensland Reds Indigenous jersey is a taste of what both the men’s and women’s teams will be wearing this weekend in Lautoka and Christchurch.
Each time she has stepped up, Schuck has poured sweat, blood and passion into both the Reds and Wallaroos jersey as a prop.
The same passion and detail comes through in a jersey that is all the more impressive because it is her first effort.
“Being from Queensland, I’ve watched all the Indigenous jerseys coming through and been an ambassador for Reds Indigenous programs that the Queensland Rugby Union has had over a long time,” Schuck said.
“Designing a jersey is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve watched other kids get to tell their stories through artwork and have it displayed.
“This is something that was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to do but didn’t think the opportunity would come."
Schuck never thought this chance would come but she was delighted to channel her heritage and rugby milestones into this jersey when it did.
The colour palette makes the jersey unique.
“I was playing around with the three colours. We train in the afternoons at Ballymore and there are some absolutely stunning sunsets with these pinks, purples and yellows,” Schuck said.
“What we see in the sky in the afternoon and being so close to the club colours is the link for me.”
Schuck has worn Indigenous jerseys for the Reds and Wallaroos and knows how deep the meaning is for her as a proud Indigenous woman.
“The Indigenous jerseys I’ve played in I’ll never ever trade or give away,” she said powerfully.
Closer inspection of the design shows the detail she has captured.
The winding Brisbane River on the front of the jersey is accompanied by wallaby and wallaroo tracks along its winding course.
“No matter how long or twisting, those tracks can eventually lead to the green-and-gold,” Schuck said.
She made her own Wallaroos debut in 2022 against Fiji at Suncorp Stadium before being part of a special moment on the Gold Coast, as a starter, against Japan.
“Against Japan, we were the first Wallaroos team to wear an Indigenous jersey. What made it more special was singing the national anthem in Yugambeh, the local Indigenous language,” Schuck recounted.
The symbolism runs deep.
You’ll find the year “1996” highlighted on the jersey and also “2025.” There’s a nod to 2012.
“The Queensland women’s team played for the first time in 1996 and there’ll be the 100-game milestone for Queensland women’s rugby in 2025. It was 2012 when the Reds wore their first Indigenous jersey,” she added.
Within the design you’ll find symbols that represent the kookaburras you see so frequently around Ballymore, Queensland rugby’s koala logo and goal posts.
Canterbury has produced an eye-catching jersey with Raglan sleeves, with longer back hem for ease of movement, and contrast neckline with bound elastic and collar detail.
When you watch the Reds women run out wearing the jersey in Lautoka on Saturday or the Reds men in Christchurch on Sunday, you will understand all the meaning that has been channelled into this jersey.
