More Than a Jersey: Family, Culture and a Chance for a Breakthrough at Easts

By Angus Hayman

Taleyah Hippi-Laurie

This weekend's First Nations and Pasifika Day at Eastern Suburbs is about far more than rugby.

It is a celebration of culture, community and the people who continue to shape the club's identity both on and off the field.

For Eastern Suburbs Women's utility back Taleyah Hippi-Laurie, it is also deeply personal.

When Easts run out in their special commemorative jersey against Southern Districts on Saturday evening, Taleyah will be wearing a design that carries her family's story.

The jersey was created through a collaboration between former Eastern Suburbs first grader and Waratah Cody Walker and Māori artist MJC Ta Moko, with players contributing ideas to ensure the design reflected the cultures and communities represented throughout the club.

For Taleyah, it’s no ordinary connection.

"It is really exciting because I obviously got to have some input with Uncle Cody and have a look at the jersey as it came together," Taleyah said.

"It's pretty special knowing I'll get to wear something that my family helped create. Not many people get the opportunity to say that."

Armarni Bentley, Taleyah Hippi-Laurie and Billy Lloyd

The First Nations side of the design draws on the significance of totems and the connection they create between individuals, family and Country. Animal symbols recognise the women currently playing at Eastern Suburbs, while flowing elements represent generations of Indigenous players remaining connected through culture, community and shared experiences.

The Pasifika elements tell a similar story. Traditional Māori patterns symbolise leadership, strength, guidance and community, while kaitiaki, or guardians, represent protection and support during both triumph and adversity.

Together, the artwork reflects many of the values that have long defined Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club.

For Taleyah, whose family connections stretch across the Yaegl, Wahlabul, Kamilaroi and Gumbaynggirr peoples of northern New South Wales, those themes feel familiar.

Having first joined Easts through her uncle's involvement with the club, she quickly discovered why so many players consider the club a second home.

"From the moment I joined, it just felt like family," she said.

"I saw how supportive the club was to Uncle Cody and the relationships he built here. Once I experienced that myself, I knew this was where I wanted to be."

That sense of belonging is something she believes rugby creates naturally.

"Everyone comes together. We spend so much time with each other and build those connections," she said.

"It's hard to explain because it feels so natural, but it really is like one big family."

The celebration comes at an important time for the Eastern Suburbs Women's side.

Despite showing encouraging signs throughout the season, the Beasties are still searching for their first victory of 2026.

Saturday's clash against Southern Districts presents another opportunity, but this one carries extra significance.

The Women's XV will headline the day with a 6:10pm kick-off, providing the perfect stage to showcase both the special jersey and kick start a major comeback year.

Taleyah believes the occasion could be exactly what her side needs.

"We've worked really hard all season," she said.

"Even though the results haven't gone our way yet, the energy within the group is still there.”

"I definitely think this weekend can be the start of something for us. We can get the win."

For Eastern Suburbs, First Nations and Pasifika Day is ultimately about recognising the cultures and communities that continue to strengthen the club.

For Taleyah, it is also about carrying family onto the field.

And if the Beasties can finally break through for their first victory of the season on Saturday night, it would make an already special jersey even more memorable.

First Nations and Pasifika Day; Women Div 2 at 4.55pm and Div 1 at 6.10pm on Saturday 13th June