Australian Criminal Law Group’s community partnership is proudly sponsoring the Redfern All Black’s A Grade side again this year.
The All Blacks are the longest-running all-Aboriginal rugby league team in Australia, joining the South Sydney Junior League in 1944.
After a hiatus in the 50s, it reformed in 1960 with activist Ken Brindle as Honorary Secretary. The All Blacks played an important role in helping young Aboriginal men adjust to life in the city. It gave them confidence in their sporting ability, kept community and family ties strong and was a positive expression of identity. Training and matches at Alexandria and Redfern Ovals showcased talent and many players pursued professional careers, often with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The All Blacks were one of the first teams to play in the inaugural NSW Koori Knockout in 1973 with the men’s team winning the annual competition an impressive 8 times, most recently in 2016. A number of notable NRL players have played with the Redfern All Blacks at some stage, including Greg Inglis, Anthony Mundine, Nathan Merritt, Wes Patten, Gorden Tallis, Darrell Trindall and Dean Widders.
The team’s success had important political, social and symbolic ramifications, and as an expression of community pride was a significant component in the shift towards self-determination within Sydney’s Aboriginal community.
“We keep the ball in motion”