Bulldogs and Tigers celebrate Harmony Day

From a Western Samoan Irishman in Jamaal Lolesi to Clinton Schifcofske who admits his Polish heritage meant even he had trouble spelling his second name as a child, Rugby League this week celebrates its diverse heritage with a specially themed ‘Harmony Day’ game this Friday night between the Wests Tigers and Bulldogs at Telstra Stadium.

The match is part of the Australian Government’s Harmony Day programme and pays tribute to the 73 different countries represented by first or second generation Australian families in the Telstra Premiership and its main ‘feeder’ competitions.

The first ‘cultural map’ of the competitions shows that more than 40% of players have either a Pacific Islander or Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander background.

A special feature will be played on big screens at all games across the weekend with leading players like Andrew Johns, Willie Mason, Dean Widders, Benji Marshall, Scott Prince and Anthony Minichiello all speaking about their backgrounds and what it means to them to live in Australia.

Wests Tigers star Benji Marshall says the diversity in backgrounds is something to celebrate.

“We’re a bunch of blokes who’ve come together and become brothers,” Marshall said

His team mate Robbie Farah, who received a special Australia Day award from the United Lebanese Association for services on and off the field, says there are many lessons to be learned from the acceptance shown in Rugby League for all cultures.

“It helps to hear about other people, other cultures. The only way to tolerate or appreciate other cultures is to learn about them,” explained Farah.

And Anthony Minichiello’s Italian heritage has opened a whole new fan base for Rugby League.

“I have many relatives who didn’t follow the game but now they watch it with interest.”

Partnering the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs in the Harmony Day project the NRL has an extensive programme of activities planned around the day.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Robb, congratulated the NRL on its commitment to diversity in sport.

"Governments can’t work alone to promote the importance of acceptance, understanding and social cohesion" said Mr Robb.

"Forming community relationships and partnerships, with organisations like the NRL is so important to our success and I commend the League for taking a leading role in Harmony Day 2006."

Half-time entertainment at the match will celebrate the diversity of backgrounds, NRL referees will wear orange and black uniforms in keeping with Harmony Day colours and ARL Development officers will conduct educational events in schools during the week.

On Harmony Day itself, Tuesday March 21, the NRL will host a clinic for more than 100 children from different backgrounds at Telstra Stadium.

“From Eric Simms to Dr George Peponis and the likes of Fui Fui Moi Moi Rugby League has a long and proud history of bringing people together from many different backgrounds,” said NRL Chief Executive Mr David Gallop.

“Ours is a sport that is about working together and not one that tolerates racism or discrimination of any type.

“The NRL is extremely proud to be a partner in the ‘Harmony Day’ project as we seek to promote respect and goodwill towards Australians of all backgrounds.”