Rugby league made history in Sydney over the weekend with the inaugural Gadhu Gathering, a three-day festival of football and culture that brought together seven clubs and thousands of fans at Allianz Stadium.
The event, launched by the Sydney Roosters in partnership with Venues NSW, the Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers, was designed to turn Indigenous Round into a marquee fixture on the NRL calendar. Across four games and a packed program of cultural events, the Gadhu Gathering highlighted the history, excellence and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while using rugby league as a unifying force.
Roosters playmaker Connor Watson described the Gathering as an opportunity far greater than sport. “It’s a big community gathering for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people,” Watson said. “It can unite everyone and become something fans look forward to every year, like Magic Round.”
With club rivalries put aside for the weekend, the Gathering showcased powerful pre-game ceremonies, Indigenous art, and community engagement programs, while also marking the continuation of the Roosters’ long-standing partnership with the Kari Foundation.
Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said the aim was to establish Gadhu as a permanent celebration of culture and connection. “This is about unity, respect and honouring Indigenous contributions to our nation and our game,” Kelly said.
On the field, the weekend delivered plenty of highlights:
Roosters 32 def. Bulldogs 12
After conceding the opening try, the Roosters surged ahead in front of 31,399 fans. Veteran winger Daniel Tupou bagged a hat-trick courtesy of Sam Walker’s kicking game, while prop Naufahu Whyte grabbed two tries. The Bulldogs struggled to match the speed and aggression of a Roosters outfit now charging into the top eight.
Rabbitohs 20 def. Eels 16
South Sydney made it two straight wins with a gutsy second-half comeback. Cody Walker’s spark off the bench set up a double for Tallis Duncan, while young gun Jye Gray starred with 211 metres, a try assist and crucial defence to repel a late Eels fightback.
Wests Tigers 26 def. Sea Eagles 12
The Tigers turned in a phenomenal display, rebounding from an early Manly strike. Adam Doueihi crossed early, before tries to Jeral Skelton, Sunia Turuva and Taylan May sealed victory. Despite a late Matt Lodge effort, the day belonged to a resurgent Tigers outfit energised by the Gadhu spirit.
With its mix of footy and cultural pride, Gadhu Gathering has announced itself as a powerful new tradition in the NRL calendar.
