Renowned Rugby league luminary, Nathan Cleary, has indicated his support towards the proposal of an Indigenous Voice in Australia’s Parliament. The Penrith Panthers icon outwardly expressed his endorsement for the integral Voice, the establishment of which would cement an Indigenous-driven consultative organ into the foundations of Australia’s Constitution.
This confirmation came to light subsequent to his adrenaline-charged performance during the NRL grand final that transpired on a Sunday. The stakes were monumental, but Cleary managed to direct the Panthers to a triumphant victory, narrowly defeating the Brisbane Broncos with a thrilling finale of 26-24.
Sporting a T-shirt that read ‘We Support the Uluru Statement’, Cleary was vocal about his support: “No Voice means no choice. C’mon, Australia, vote Yes.”
This concise yet profound declaration was shared on the popular social media platform TikTok, on Indigenous advocate Roy Ah-See’s channel. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quick to disseminate the message, sharing the video on Twitter, endorsing Cleary’s sentiment: “It’s a Yes from @_nathancleary.”
The shared video has garnered considerable traction, vaulting to more than 24,000 views.
Cleary’s endorsement may potentially catapult the Yes vote forward as the countdown ticks on for the referendum campaign’s closure in the forthcoming two weeks. Australians are prepared to cast their votes regarding this revolutionary proposal on October 14.
An imminent advertising onslaught from the Yes and No factions is expected to blanket Australia in the days ahead, as both parties scramble to ensure their votes are secured in the campaign’s crucial final phase.
The commencement of the early voting in the referendum is scheduled to take place on Monday in Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia, with the ACT, NSW, Queensland and South Australia following on Tuesday.
This affirmation from Cleary trails the NRL’s formal expression of backing for the Voice, made in May. “True change is the consequence of listening, learning and executing action. We urge the entire rugby league community to equip themselves with the facts, utilise their voice, and join us in progressing unitedly,” stated the code’s management.
Several other NRL behemoths have also rallied in support for Yes, including legend Johnathan Thurston of the North Queensland Cowboys and South Sydney Rabbitohs’ champion Greg Inglis.
A unanimous backing for the Voice is reflected across Australia’s key sporting bodies, which include the AFL Commission, Rugby Australia, Football Australia, and Cricket Australia.
