North Queensland Cowboys players visited Lavarack Barracks on April 1 to launch the 2026 Defence jersey, which will be worn during the NRL Anzac Round against the Cronulla Sharks on April 24.
The jersey recognises the Army's presence in North Queensland and its contribution to the local community.
Featuring armoured vehicles, soldiers, helicopters and emblems of brigades based in North Queensland, the design acknowledges Army's combined arms capability and the integration of armoured, aviation, sustainment, health and reserve forces.
North Queensland Cowboys CEO Michael Luck said the partnership between the club and the Defence community continued to play an important role in the club's identity.
"Townsville is Australia's premier garrison city, and as a community‑minded club, our relationship with the Defence community is extremely important to us," Mr Luck said.
"Whenever we engage with Defence, we emerge stronger as a club, and it's something we're incredibly proud of."
A key element of the jersey was the inclusion of the rising sun badge, closely associated with Anzac heritage and the service of Australian soldiers.
'No team is successful if they're a team of individuals. We must be one team.'
The Cowboys are only the second civilian sporting organisation permitted to display the rising sun on a playing jersey, reflecting the strength of the partnership.
The jersey also features a quote on the sleeve, 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts', recognising the significance of teamwork from the footy field to the battlefield.
Regimental Sergeant Major 3rd Brigade, Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Matthew Lines, said the Cowboys and the Army shared similar views on teamwork.
"No team is successful if they're a team of individuals. We must be one team," WO1 Lines said.
"On the jersey you will see many pieces of the very best equipment in Far North Queensland, but the most important picture on that jersey is the soldier in the middle.
"It is important to remember that, 'we do not man the equipment, we equip the soldier'."
He said the relationship between the organisations showed how both supported the community.
"There is no better place to soldier or play footy," WO1 Lines said.
"Seeing the rising sun run out onto the ground, having those shared values and that sense of community, it means a lot to us."
