Honouring Ron: Chloe Saddler's Indigenous Jersey Tribute
The Sydney Roosters will be honouring former player Ron Saddler on the Club's 2024 Indigenous Jersey, with granddaughter Chloe dedicating the design to the highly respected and beloved Indigenous star.
A proud Wiradjuri man, Saddler played 118 first-grade matches for the Club between 1963 and 1971, where he created history by becoming the first Indigenous player to captain NSW – the jewel in the crown of what was a glittering career.
Saddler was well-liked and respected by his teammates and peers alike, leaving a lasting legacy both in Red, White and Blue and within the Indigenous community as a hard-running centre in his day.
Now his legacy will live on in the Sydney Roosters' 2024 Indigenous jersey, with his granddaughter Chloe - who brought the design to life - set to present the jersey to the team before attending Indigenous Round match down in Canberra, in what will be a special moment for the Saddler family.
Honour Ron Saddler and get your 2024 Sydney Roosters Indigenous Jersey here!
“He was around my whole childhood. I was around fifteen when he passed away,” Chloe said.
“He was really quiet, that’s what I remember from him. He had a really good connection with my sister and I. She was quite close with him.
"As I got older, he developed Alzheimer’s and was quite ill for several years. It was quite challenging especially for my dad, to witness that.
To be able to connect, that’s what I try to do with my art. I try to portray the energy that I feel and when the players run out, I want them to feel that energy and connection that I can give to each of them through this jersey. That was the main goal, that’s why I do art.
Chloe Saddler Indigenous Jersey Artist
“But he loved coming to all our sporting events and I remember we used to go to his house every afternoon, he was really big on family.”
A local artist in the northern NSW town of Murwillumbah – the very same where Ron resided post-career - Chloe was initially surprised when the call came to design the Club’s 2024 Indigenous Jersey.
However, when the opportunity came, she knew it was one that she couldn't pass up in order to honour her late grandfather.
“My dad got a call one day asking if someone in our family was interested in doing a design,” she explained.
“The Club wanted to represent pop this year and he didn’t actually tell me until a few days later! I didn’t think too much of it really, I honestly didn’t know if it would happen, but then I got a phone call about two weeks later asking if I was keen.
“I knew he played footy for the Roosters and he was really big, but I didn’t realise how big he was growing up and how much he accomplished.
“Now after doing my research, I know he was a pretty big deal. You don’t realise the extent and significance of his career.
"It has only been the last five years where I’ve really gained knowledge. Everybody up here knew he was a proud Easts man.”
Honour Ron Saddler and get your 2024 Sydney Roosters Indigenous Jersey here!
A self-taught artist since childhood, Chloe, much like her grandfather did with his rugby league, was able to turn a passion into a profession.
From commissions for Murwillumbah locals to designing merchandise prints as well as murals, Chloe was the perfect candidate to bring her grandfather’s story to life.
In particular, it is her emphasis on Aboriginal storytelling with interpersonal connection that makes the 2024 Indigenous Jersey truly shine.
“There’s a story behind every piece that I do, and with Aboriginal art that’s just something I focus on really,” Chloe explained.
“People don’t really seem to understand the significance of Aboriginal connection. I was trying to explain to a friend the other day about this unspoken bond and the energy you feel.
Ron Saddler Highlights
“To be able to connect, that’s what I try to do with my art. I try to portray the energy that I feel and when the players run out, I want them to feel that energy and connection that I can give to each of them through this jersey. That was the main goal, that’s why I do art.
“And that was the main idea for this design; to portray pop’s story and that unspoken connection with people.
“Within the piece itself, there are four circles which represent the Roosters, NSW, Australia and Murwillumbah, with the bigger circle represents our family. In our culture, family is a big thing. You always come together and make sure that’s a priority.
“The colours represent different things too; in my artworks, brown colours represent the earth, blues represent water. In this case, the blues represent where we’re from; the beach and the river that runs through our town.
“On the front, there’s our tribal totem, which is the goanna. I wanted to put that on to highlight our Wiradjuri roots. All the other symbols represent the journey pop went on to where he got to.
“The main focus was to try and keep the traditional colours of the Roosters, and base all the symbols in those colours, or different shades. It wasn’t too tricky, it can get a bit fiddly with digital art as opposed to canvas.
“All the aspects pretty much bring it back to family and community, and that’s a big part of what I try to portray in our artworks. That’s the main focus on the back."
As for the reception of the striking design, the Saddler clan are more than thrilled with Chloe's fitting tribute.
“I showed dad the original draft of the jersey and he was stoked," she said.
“My family and friends absolutely love it. They reckon it’s so cool. One of my aunties told me that it was such a huge thing for our family.
“To be able to tell pop’s story is such a cool opportunity and I’m so excited for it to be worn on the field. It’s still a pretty surreal thing. I think when I see the jersey in person, that’s when it’ll probably hit me knowing that I was able to represent pop.
“To be given the opportunity, I’m so grateful.”
When the Roosters run out in Chloe’s creation, there’s no doubt Ron will be looking down with a smile, knowing the thirteen men in Red, White and Blue will be carrying his spirit with them.
