These boots are made for talkin' about a brighter future

Roosters forward Olivia Kernick is honoured to be taking part in Indigenous Round for the first time and she'll get an extra kick out of it this weekend as she showcases the work of talented young artists.

The Roosters in last week's win over the Titans, with Kernick – a Māori and Wiradjuri woman – playing a starring role.

Designed by proud Bundjalung woman Tylah Mundine, the striking jersey will this week be complemented by specially-decorated boots, painted by youth who are part of the NRL's School to Work (S2W) initiative, incorporating the Boots for Brighter Futures program.

As well as the Roosters NRLW and NRLW players, boots have also been painted by S2W students for the Knights NRL squad and a selection of players from the Eels and Sea Eagles.

“Obviously this round means a lot for me and not only me, but my family and a lot of other players, especially in the NRLW, so to be included this year is super special,” Kernick said.

Boots for Brighter Futures is a six-week program is delivered by the Cultural Choice Association – an Indigenous not-for-profit charity based of the Central Coast, established by current Roosters NRL forward Connor Watson.

It strives to and identity through art, whilst partnering with NRL clubs in the fight against youth suicide.

“Connor has got his Boots for Brighter Futures program … (and) I think what he's doing is amazing,” Kernick said.

“He's been able to use his story and yes, it’s something that's obviously been really tragic in his life and he's done something really good out of it.

“He lost a cousin to suicide and suicide rates in mob is obviously one of our biggest killers, so being able to incorporate art with the kids ... it's really therapeutic and then for them to be able to see their artwork on big footy players, big stars in the NRL (and NRLW) is really cool.

“To be included in that is really special and I'm really proud to be able to put on my boots over the next couple weeks and to be able to rep those kids and to represent my culture as well.

“The meaning behind that for him is close to home for him and to be able to be a part of that and to not only wear some deadly artwork from young kids that have painted our boots, but to be able to be doing something some good for the community is special I feel.

“Our boots will be auctioned off and the money will be raised for his Brighter Futures charity.

“This round has a lot of meaning and a lot of thought and hard work has gone into both the jersey and the boots and the whole process for the next couple weeks, so it's really exciting.”

Some of the students involved come from Morisset High School, who have been a part of NRL School to Work since its inception.

Helping to lead and facilitate culturally safe learning at the school is Aboriginal education officer Aunty Selena Archibald, who has been in the role for almost 30 years.

“We've had a number of kids go through the program and it's something that I really and truly back and support 110% because I've seen my kids grow, and the benefits that the program has, is really, really good,” Aunty Selena said.

“This year we've been lucky enough to have been asked for our, our students to do the Boots for Brighter Futures program.