Everyone could be excused for thinking the NRL is just on another woke escapade, with the Welcome to Country last night.
The Welcome to Country at the 2026 grand final was delivered by Aunty Julie Jones, who is a Dharug Elder. The Dharug people are the traditional owners of much of the Sydney region, which is why she’s regularly asked to do these ceremonies there. She also delivered the Welcome to Country at a State of Origin game and the 2023 Women’s World Cup opener in Sydney. NRL 2026, NRL grand final, live blog, Sydney Roosters, Newcastle Knights, match highlights, injuries, coaches media conferences +2
This isn’t the first time her appearance has drawn comment. When she did the 2024 NRL grand final, some fans criticised her on social media, with posts about her being blonde and “white”.
Sorry but the NRL has fallen further and how can Australian’s take this overused and overcooked ceremony seriously when it is presented in such a way as to question the very person delivering the “welcome”.
This confirms in my mind at least and probably the majority of Australian’s how woke and a joke this has become.
Aunty Julie Jones is a white, blond, blue eyed socialite who gets privileges & paid handsomely to be an Aboriginal.
She got $10,000 at the NRL GF to welcome you to your own country.
Is this all just a farce full of woke BS?