The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have unveiled their 2025 Defence Jersey, building on the club’s connection with the Australian Defence Force, recognising their significant contribution throughout the North Queensland community.
Launched today at Townsville’s Lavarack Barracks, the 2025 Defence Jersey is the second edition of a collaboration between the Cowboys and the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade. This year’s version pays homage to the 110th anniversary of the 3rd Brigade’s significant role during World War I, as part of the first brigade that made it ashore in the battle at Gallipoli.
It was 4.18am on Sunday, April 25, 1915 when Army's 3rd Brigade landed on the shore of what is now named Anzac Cove in Gallipoli.
Get your 2025 Defence Jersey here.
Defined by a striking pastel blue tone, the jersey reflects the 3rd Brigade’s capability and pride as Australia’s Armoured Amphibious Brigade and depicts Australian Army soldiers from the Brigade’s 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, conducting a combined amphibious assault exercise during Exercise Alon as part of the Indo Pacific Endeavour in 2023.
Exercise Alon was a bilateral amphibious training activity including air, maritime amphibious and follow-on land operations. The photo, captured on the ground in the Philippines, was taken by Corporal Riley Blennerhassett, formerly an infantry soldier of the 1st Battalion prior to transferring to photography. This is CPL Blennerhassett’s second image to be used on the Cowboys Defence Jersey, something he is proud of as a North Queenslander and Cowboys supporter.
“Having my images on the North Queensland Cowboys jersey the last couple years is a surreal moment that I think a kid version of myself would never have believed.”
“From watching the 2015 Grand Final win with tears in my eyes to this is unbelievable and I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved during my service in both the infantry and as a photographer.”
Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Ben McLennan, said the Army’s strong ties with the North Queensland Cowboys is reflective of the shared values between the club, Brigade, and Townsville community.
“Townsville is Australia’s premier garrison city, the connection between our people, veterans and the community is unmatched and is reflected in the shared values of teamwork, resilience and courage.
“Whether it’s during natural disasters, when the Cowboys run onto the footy field, or in war, this community unites.”
“We couldn’t be more proud of our enduring partnership with the North Queensland Cowboys as part of the Townsville community.”
Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said the club would also like to recognise major partners, Toyota, Bravus Mining & Resources, YETI and TAFE Queensland for working closely with the Cowboys and apparel partner, Dynasty to create a striking design to give the Defence community the recognition it deserves.
“Our club has enormous gratitude and admiration for the respect and courage of all who currently serve and have served before,” he said.
“The connection between the Cowboys and the Defence community runs deep, every time we have called on our Defence connections to work with us we have always emerged as a better club for it, and it is an honour for us to have been able to collaborate with 3rd Brigade again for our Defence Jersey this year.”
The 3rd Brigade emblem sits proudly on the upper back of the jersey, signifying the strong ties between the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade and the North Queensland community, while the Ode, recited at ANZAC Day services across Australia and New Zealand, is displayed across the lower back.
‘25th April 1915’ sits inside the neckline, commemorating the 110th anniversary since the battle of Gallipoli, while a sprig of rosemary is displayed in the centre of the chest. A standout feature is the silhouette of two ANZAC soldiers depicted across the chest of the jersey.
The Defence Jersey will be worn by the Cowboys for NRL ANZAC Round against the Gold Coast Titans on 26 April at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, proudly supported by Townsville City Council.
The Cowboys annual ANZAC Round match has received continual support from Townsville City Council, and once again the club and Council will work together to create a worthy event paying tribute to the commitment and sacrifice of former and serving Defence personnel and their families.
Townsville Acting Mayor, Ann-Maree Greaney said Council was proud to continue its support for Defence personnel through its partnership with the Cowboys.
“Townsville’s Defence presence is part of our city’s identity, so it is fitting we can acknowledge the men and women who serve and have served our nation,” Cr Greaney said.
“Home to Australia’s largest army base our Defence and veteran community are well and truly part of our city’s social fabric, they are volunteers, participants and coaches in arts, sports, events and community programs. These people are not just serving our country they are serving our community.
“ANZAC Day is a day that is especially important to Townsville as a garrison city and it’s great to see the Cowboys pay tribute to our troops past and present.
“The Cowboys have produced a wonderful defence jersey that honours our city’s connection to defence forces, and I can’t wait to see people wearing them around town and at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, especially 26 April when the Cowboys take on the Titans.”
The Defence Jersey is now available in men’s, women’s and kids sizes at the Cowboys Team Shop, in-person at 335 Flinders Street, Townsville City or online at www.cowboysteamshop.com.au.
