Despite being an officer, Acting Sub-Lieutenant (ASLT) Jackson Gibbs wanted to recognise Navy's most populated rank - able seaman - when designing the Canberra Raiders' jersey for the forthcoming National Rugby League (NRL) Anzac Round.
The job fell to the young maritime human resources officer and league fan due to his previous career in musical theatre where he dabbled in production and design.
"Junior sailors are the backbone of the Navy, and it was a way of honouring all of those members both current and former," ASLT Gibbs said.
"It also leans into our history. During World War I, the majority of serving Navy personnel were able seamen."
The Raiders' Anzac jersey is a collaboration between the Canberra team and HMAS Harman where ASLT Gibbs was posted last year.
"The Commanding Officer of HMAS Harman, Commander Dean Thompson, knew of my creative background and we discussed how we wanted to represent 125 years of the Navy," he said.
Raiders players Savelio Tamale, Jayden Brailey and Ethan Sanders, as well as female players Sheridan Gallagher and Ellie Brander, joined Harman personnel at the HMAS Canberra Memorial recently to launch the Anzac jersey the players will don for the game against the Wests Tigers on Thursday April 23.
'When the Raiders run out in this jersey, they carry the stories of those who served before us, those who never returned and those who continue to stand watch today, at sea and ashore.'
The striking jersey features Navy's maritime multi-patterned uniform (MMPU), with the official patch for Navy's 125th anniversary on the left sleeve and Harman's official patch on the right.
"The top of both shoulders features the insignia of the rank of Able Seaman to recognise the significant contribution of our junior sailors," ASLT Gibbs said.
The bottom back of the jersey features the words 'yield not', which is the English translation of Harman's Latin motto, 'ne cede'.
Commander Thompson said the Anzac Round was a powerful opportunity for the Raiders, Navy and the Canberra community to recognise those who have served, suffered and sacrificed for our freedoms.
"When the Raiders run out in this jersey, they carry the stories of those who served before us, those who never returned and those who continue to stand watch today, at sea and ashore," he said.
"It is a visible reminder that remembrance is not confined to one day, it is something we live through our actions, values and community connections."
Canberra Raiders CEO Don Furner said the team was proud to collaborate with Harman and recognise Canberra's strong defence community and history.
"Many Canberrans may not realise that Canberra has an active naval base, but Harman has been operational for almost 100 years," Mr Furner said.
• The Raiders will play the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on April 23 as the first fixture of the 2026 Anzac Round.
