An artwork by Kymeesha Shillingsworth, 9, and her grandfather Bruce Shillingsworth Snr has been chosen to feature on the Sydney Kings kit for the NBL’s 2021 Indigenous Round (May 26-31).
Kymeesha grew up in Brewarrina and is currently living in Bourke where she attends Koinonia Christian College. Kymeesha has family in Brewarrina and part of the design is inspired by her experiences on and knowledge of the Brewarrina Baaka (Darling River).
Bruce Shillingsworth Snr, a Redfern local, attended an announcement at Olympic Park in Homebush and gave a talk regarding the artwork.
“The artwork is about the Parramatta River, ‘parra’ meaning eels and ‘matta’ meaning river. Kymeesha decided to choose the river as it’s close to home and reminds her of the Baaka (Darling River) that runs through Brewarrina and Bourke. The Parramatta River, just like the Baaka, was a place for kids to swim and hang out as well as a meeting place for clan groups and nations. Along the river there would be games similar to basketball, with balls made from animal skin. Also, it is depicted that the spirits are always present, making sure the right thing was being done.”
Wallabies face daunting Bledisloe Cup task
A dark cloud has begun to develop over Australian rugby following a series of poor performances by the nation’s teams so far in this year’s Super Rugby Trans-Tasman – and its shadow is threatening to overwhelm the Wallabies. After two rounds, Australia’s five teams are 0-10 against New Zealand opposition. The results beg the question: if the Australians cannot win at the provincial level, how will the Wallabies defeat the All Blacks in the Test arena?
In the clash of champions, the Reds fell 63-28 in Brisbane, while the Brumbies lost 40-19 in the contest between the runners-up in Hamilton. After the game, Reds co-captain Liam Wright lamented that they did not think they did much wrong, but everything they did wrong was punished.
That is one of the main differences between the two nations’ teams. In Super Rugby AU the other Australian sides failed to capitalise on the Reds’ mistakes, particularly handling errors. They will not get away with it against the Kiwis, who base their attack around turnover ball.
Despite all of this, we wish them luck.
