BREAKING LIVE: SMOKING DAY! đ„Spiritual Flames Ignite Eels Camp” as Parramatta Unites on Sacred Dharug Land for Indigenous Round Ritualđ„ Speaking at the ceremony, Eels captain Mitch Moses described the moment as âone of the most grounding experiencesâ of the season” As the past set to be alive again. Eels fans are hereby instructed on special assignment.. here’s the walls giving to the Eel’s die hards…
Unity, Culture, and Connection: Parramatta Eels Embrace Indigenous Round with Powerful Smoking Ceremony on Dharug Land
August 5, 2025 â Parramatta, NSW
On a clear winter morning, the Parramatta Eels gathered as one on Dharug land for a deeply moving and culturally significant traditional smoking ceremony, marking the beginning of the NRLâs Indigenous Round. With the smell of native eucalyptus smoke rising into the sky, players, coaches, staff, and community members stood side by side, honouring the landâs traditional custodians and embracing the spiritual significance of the moment.
Held at the clubâs home base in Western Sydney, the event served as both a cultural awakening and a unifying experience, reminding all involved of the deep-rooted history of the land they train and play on. The ceremony was conducted by respected Dharug Elders and cultural leaders, who welcomed the team to Country and shared stories of culture, resilience, and identity.
A Spiritual Beginning
The smoking ceremony, a tradition that has been carried through generations by Indigenous Australians, is used to cleanse the spirit, ward off bad energy, and welcome people onto the land. As smoke gently drifted around the gathered crowd, the Eels stood in silent respect, reflecting on the importance of the moment and the stories behind it.
For Parramatta, whose name itself derives from the Aboriginal word “Burramatta” â meaning âthe place where the eels lie downâ â this ceremony carried deep symbolic weight. The land the club calls home has long been a place of gathering for the Dharug people, and the Eelsâ presence here today echoed a powerful reconnection to those roots.
âWe Stand Togetherâ
Speaking at the ceremony, Eels captain Mitch Moses described the moment as âone of the most grounding experiencesâ of the season.
> âItâs more than just a round of footy,â Mitch Moses said. âItâs a chance to honour and learn from the culture that has been here long before any of us. Today was about respect â for the land, for the Elders, and for our teammates who carry that culture forward every day.â
The club was joined by several Indigenous players, including Maika Sivo, Jâmaine Hopgood, and Daejarn Asi, who were visibly moved by the ceremony. For them, the moment was not only about celebration but about healing, recognition, and pride in their heritage.
As part of the event, the Eels unveiled their 2025 Indigenous Round jersey, which features artwork designed by Indigenous artist and Dharug descendant Leanne Tobin. The design tells the story of the Burramatta people, the river, and the eelâs journey through water â a symbol of resilience and identity.
Educating Beyond the Game
The Parramatta Eels have long taken an active role in promoting reconciliation, education, and Indigenous inclusion through their community programs. This year, the club has expanded its partnerships with local Aboriginal organisations, including the Burramatta Elders Group, Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, and NSW Aboriginal Land Council.
During the week, players and staff will participate in cultural awareness workshops, school visits, and storytelling sessions, helping bridge the gap between cultures and generations. The club’s education and wellbeing manager, Jayden Hodges, emphasised the importance of these initiatives:
> âWe want to do more than just wear the jersey â we want to live the values that the Indigenous Round stands for,â Hodges said. âIt starts with understanding, with listening, and with being open to learning the real history of this country.â
A Round with Meaning
As the NRL Indigenous Round kicks off, Parramatta will take to the field this weekend wearing their special kit, standing united with all First Nations people. But the impact of the round goes far beyond the try line. For the Eels, itâs a commitment to continue fostering respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities â not just in one round, but every day of the year.
The teamâs opponent this week, the North Queensland Cowboys, will also honour Indigenous culture through their own ceremonies and jersey designs. But for the Eels, playing on the very land where the ancestors of the Burramatta people walked, fished, and gathered for tens of thousands of years makes this game even more profound.
Looking Ahead
In a time where sporting organisations are increasingly seen as leaders of social change, Parramattaâs actions reflect a growing acknowledgment of responsibility. Itâs not just about acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land in pre-game speeches â itâs about deep, ongoing cultural engagement.
As the smoke cleared and the ceremony concluded, the sense of unity and respect lingered in the air. For the players, many of whom placed their hands on their hearts during the ritual, the morning was a reminder that they are part of something much bigger than the game.
In the words of Elder Uncle Richard Bell, who led the ceremony:
> âWhen you walk on this land, you walk with the footsteps of those who came before you. Honour them, listen to the land, and you will always find your way.â
With that spirit guiding them, the Parramatta Eels head into Indigenous Round not just as competitors â but as proud allies and ambassadors of culture, unity, and change.
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#AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #BurramattaPride #IndigenousRound
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