The First Nations artists behind the boots

In celebration of the NRL's Indigenous Round, Dolphins stars Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Josh Kerr, and Trai Fuller will proudly represent their culture in Round 23 by wearing custom-painted boots created by talented young First Nations artists.

Each pair of boots tells a deeply personal story that blends heritage, culture, and the player's connections to country.

The boots worn by Tabuai-Fidow and Fuller were painted by students from St Brendan’s College, Yeppoon, while Josh Kerr’s boots were crafted by a Dolphins junior and proud Year 11 student at Redcliffe State High School.

Labron Nona, a proud Badu Islander from the Argun Clan, designed the left boot.

"My design features Hamiso’s totem, the baidham (shark), and smaller designs representing his Samoan heritage. My own totems are the crocodile and porcupine ray," said Nona.

The right boot was painted by Tyus Matasia-Morseu, who shares Torres Strait and Samoan heritage with Tabuai-Fidow.

"I’m from the Argun clan of Badu and Wagadagam clan of Mabuyag Island," Tyus said.

"I designed the boot to represent Hammer’s heritage; a story of strength, connection and love for his culture."

Year 11 student Bray Kurzydlo, a Dolphins junior, created a design rich in personal and cultural meaning for Josh Kerr.

Bray’s artwork features Kerr’s totems, including the carpet snake, Quampie shell and dolphin, bringing together the powerful symbols of Kerr’s identity and heritage.

Kirra-Mun Doyle, from the Mt Morgan mob in the Rockhampton Region, painted the boots for Trai Fuller.

"I’m a keen footy player and was happy to do this project," said Doyle.

"My design is called Sitting in the Stars. The dots represent each star, and the large purple designs symbolise people sitting together."

The custom boots are a key part of the Dolphins' celebration of Indigenous Round which acknowledges and honours the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to rugby league and the wider community.

When the Dolphins take the field, these boots will be proudly worn, with each step a tribute to tradition, storytelling and strength.