NRL's Multicultural Round enters fourth year as teams recognise diverse player base

Round 3 of the NRL season takes on extra meaning this weekend as rugby league celebrates its diversity for NRL Multicultural Round - a time to celebrate the sport as a “globally connected family.”

"Though we all have unique stories, together we are one united team.

No matter who you are, there’s a place for you in our game.

Because we are Rugby League - the Greatest Game for All." NRL 

St. George Illawarra Dragons

Embracing the spirit of the round is Emre Guler of the St George Illawarra Dragons, whose Turkish-Australian background shines through both on and off the field.

“The pronunciation is Em-re Gu-ler, not Emery Gull,” he said with a smile. “My family come from Adana in southern Türkiye. Mum was born here, but Dad moved over almost 30 years ago. They’ve taught us everything about our culture and made sure we stay connected to it.”

Guler said returning to Türkiye several times has deepened his appreciation for his roots. “We’ve been back five or six times, visiting our family’s farmland and also the big cities like Istanbul. The people there are humble and hardworking - it gives you perspective.”

He’s also fluent in Turkish, thanks to his family’s dedication to keeping the language and food traditions alive. “Every time we go to Mum’s house, there’s Turkish food on the table,” he laughed. “That’s just normal for us.”

For Guler, growing up in Sydney’s eastern suburbs exposed him to a “mixed bag” of cultures - an experience that’s shaped his career in rugby league. “You had all the Islanders, Aboriginal kids, Greeks, Italians, Turks - everything. It made footy feel like home from day one.”

He says that same sense of belonging runs deep at the Dragons. “It’s probably the tightest group I’ve been around. We’ve got Tongans, Samoans, Italians, Aussies, Greeks, Turks — and we all get along. That’s what makes this team special.”

Brisbane Broncos

In Brisbane, the Broncos are embracing that message as they travel to Melbourne to face the Storm in their 2006 Premiership Heritage Jersey. The squad reflects Australia’s multicultural spirit with stars like Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam and Kotoni Staggs showcasing Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Pacific Island roots, while international influences stretch from Aotearoa to Europe.

“It’s a great reminder that our differences bring us closer,” said head coach Michael Maguire. “Every player carries their own story, and that’s what makes rugby league so special -it connects every corner of the country and beyond.”

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Down south, South Sydney forward Tallis Duncan is celebrating his Maltese, Indigenous and Australian background ahead of the Rabbitohs’ clash with Wests Tigers. "It's special, obviously I've got a few different backgrounds, so it's just special to represent all parts of my family," he said. "Seeing all the other boys get to do the same thing I think it's really special. Everyone probably gets an extra gear to fight for and their family's involved."

Redcliffe Dolphins

One of the game’s most unique cultural stories belongs to Jake Averillo of the Dolphins, who proudly honours his Zimbabwean roots through his grandfather. “My grandpa came to Australia from Zimbabwe when he was 18,” Averillo said, “It is very different, I haven’t really delved into it too much, but I’d like to one day."

In 2026, 66 heritages will be represented in the NRL and NRLW playing squads, which is up from 63 heritages in 2024 and 65 in 2025, highlighting the games cultural progression.