13-летний художник из Квинсленда стал самым молодым автором дизайна для игровой формы команды North Queensland Cowboys

Youngster designs Cowboys Indigenous jersey Aged 13, Pryce Mara from Bamaga in far north Queensland, is set for a bright future after becoming the youngest artist to have his design featured on the North Queensland Cowboys Indigenous jersey. From left are NRLW players Essay Banu, Tallisha Harden, Jasmine Peters, artist Pryce Mara, and NRL Cowboys players Reuben Cotter and Kyle Laybutt. Picture: supplied. By ALF WILSON Pryce’s design on the jersey showcases “Ngaw Gidha” (My Story). Pryce created his design as part of Cowboys House cultural program, with the artwork reflecting his identity as both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and tells the story of his connection to Bamaga and the Torres Strait Islands. Pryce’s artwork will adorn the 2026 Cowboys Indigenous Jersey as well as the NRL Cowboys House polo and singlet. “This artwork tells my story – where I come from and who I am. The bottom part of the design, in red, brown and yellow, represents the mainland at Bamaga, the tip of Australia, where I’m from. The top part, in blues and greens, represents the Torres Strait Islands – Badu, Mabuiag and Saibai – where my family bloodlines come from. I am both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, so this design shows the connection between land and sea, and how both are part of me. When I think of home, these are the images that come to mind,” Pryce said. Pryce said he included the shape of Australia and the dhoeri, the Torres Strait Islander headdress, because they are important symbols of his culture and identity. “The patterns across the artwork represent culture and storytelling. I’m still learning what they all mean in my culture. When people see my design, I hope they see that I’m young, that I represent both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and that I’m proud of who I am,” Pryce said. Guided by his artist uncle Edmond, Pryce is developing his understanding of cultural storytelling through art. Outside of art, Pryce enjoys basketball along with fishing, gaming and spending time with friends. He dreams of one day playing in the NBA, while also considering a future as an artist or in the mining industry. Pryce hopes his journey inspires other young people to try hard and do their best, while making positive choices and staying connected to school and community. At the jersey launch Pryce was joined by Cowboys NRL and NRLW players, Torres Strait players Tallisha Harden, Jasmine Peters (Badu), Essay Banu (Boigu/PNG), Reuben Cotters (Boigu) and Kyle Laybutt (PNG). Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said the design selection was a special achievement for Pryce and a proud moment for his family and home community, and the broader Cowboys family. “We’re incredibly proud of Pryce and the way he has shared his story through this artwork. This design is thoughtful, authentic and full of pride in culture and identity, and it’s amazing to see someone so young create something with such meaning,” Ms Pelling said.