From Kick-Off to Community: Anthony Mitchell on Sport as a Platform for Reconciliation

TLDR:

The NRL Indigenous Round in Australia, and the inaugural Gadhu Gathering festival, offer more than sport – they are a platform for cultural recognition, economic opportunity, and Indigenous leadership. Former NRL player Anthony Mitchell discusses how sport can spark reconciliation, inspire young people, and support Indigenous enterprise.

Sport as a Catalyst for Cultural Recognition

From 15–17 August, the NRL Indigenous Round will once again highlight the deep connection between rugby league and First Nations communities. This year, the Sydney Roosters’ clash with the Canterbury Bulldogs will mark the launch of Gadhu Gathering, a three-day cultural festival at Allianz Stadium on Gadigal land, bringing together six Sydney clubs to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

For Anthony Mitchell, former Indigenous All Stars representative and NRL player for the Parramatta Eels, Sydney Roosters, and North Queensland Cowboys, the round is about more than sport. It is a moment to amplify Indigenous voices and stories. “It’s not only First Nations players wearing those jerseys with pride – it’s non-Indigenous players too, representing our people on the national stage,” Mitchell reflected. The visibility of Indigenous culture in ceremonies, commentary, and team colours, he believes, is building momentum for reconciliation.

Listen to Mitchell discuss the NRL's involvement.

Creating Pathways Beyond the Field

Mitchell has channelled his own post-playing career into building opportunities for the next generation. Recently, he co-founded a premier elite rugby league nines tournament that blends top-tier former NRL talent with grassroots players in a family-friendly festival atmosphere. Beyond sport, it offers young Indigenous athletes a platform to dream bigger – whether in rugby league or other pursuits.

“The more energy we put towards Indigenous recognition, the more it helps close the reconciliation gap,” he said. “When kids see leaders – on or off the field – they start to believe they can achieve more than they imagined.”

Mitchell emphasised that visibility creates aspiration. Former players, in particular, have a responsibility to leverage their platforms, mentor young people, and open professional doors that might otherwise remain closed.

L-R Fetuli Talanoa, former Rabbitoh and Tonga Internationalist, Ian Lacey, former Bronco, Anthony Mitchell.

From Cultural Inclusion to Economic Impact

While sport provides the spark, Mitchell sees broader opportunity in the economic space. There is a growing appetite for culturally-led programs, events, and Indigenous-designed merchandise, as well as services shaped by First Nations perspectives. When clubs and businesses commit to supply diversity and authentic cultural partnerships, the benefits extend far beyond game day.

“It can be about economic impact, but it’s also about building legacy,” Mitchell explained. “People need to see it before they believe it. When we platform Indigenous leaders, it inspires the next generation – not just to play rugby league, but to become entrepreneurs, innovators, and community builders.”

Mitchell points to partnerships like that between the Sydney Roosters, the Gadali Group, and ADAPTOVATE as examples of genuine engagement. Such collaborations, he says, should be rooted in real relationships, not token gestures.

The Role of the Wider Community

Mitchell’s vision for the future is one where Indigenous success is championed at every level – from grassroots to professional sport, from small businesses to corporate boardrooms. That future depends on collective effort.

“Everyone has a role to play,” he said. “Support Indigenous brands... share stories... challenge stereotypes... show up.” He believes that when communities work together, they can create tangible pathways for young people and adults alike – whether in sport, business, or service to their community.

Watch Mitchell discuss community involvement.

For Mitchell, the Indigenous Round is both a celebration and a call to action. It is a reminder that the pride, culture, and leadership showcased on the field can – and should – be mirrored across society. With sustained commitment, the momentum generated during these few days in August can drive lasting change.

As the Gadhu Gathering kicks off, it will not only entertain fans but also provide a platform for truth-telling, cultural education, and economic inclusion. The challenge and opportunity lie in ensuring those conversations, and the commitments they inspire, extend well beyond the final whistle.