A group of Port Stephens students are weaving history and heritage into custom NRL football boots.
Senior Indigenous students at Medowie's Catherine McAuley Catholic College were given the task of painting the official Indigenous Round football boots for the Newcastle Knights.
The initiative is part of the Boots for Brighter Futures.
To celebrate the final official painting session, Knights star and proud Wiradjuri man Dylan Lucas dropped by the college to meet the artists and check on the progress of his own custom pair.
"I love how much effort the kids put into getting our boots done and the whole meaning behind it," Lucas said.
"It's an opportunity for the kids to express themselves and for them to find out a little bit more about themselves while they're doing our boots.
With the 2026 NRL Indigenous Round expanded to span two weeks this August, Lucas said the period holds massive personal significance.
"I always look forward to seeing what my boots look like every year," he said.
"It's not only a special round for me and my family, but for Indigenous culture itself."
The initiative requires the students to dive deep into research, attempting to weave each individual player's personal heritage and background directly into the artwork of the boots.
Year 12 student Laura Chang was handed the task of designing Dylan Lucas' boots.
"It's a bit scary but it's honestly such a privilege," Laura said.
"I'm lost for words."
Laura focused one boot entirely on a water theme.
Her design features the three major rivers that define Wiradjuri Country.
"That was their main source of food and water back then," Laura said.
"I thought that was important to showcase on the boots."
The design also honours the location of Catherine McAuley Catholic College on Worimi Country, including a dolphin to represent the local land.
To complete the pair, Laura plans to add symbols tracking Lucas' family and his journey through his professional football career.
"I wanted to include a few things that mean a lot to Dylan," she said.
