Wests Tigers have apologised and promised to immediately redesign their Anzac Round jersey that mistakenly depicted US instead of Australian or New Zealand troops on the front.
The embattled NRL club, who are winless five rounds into the new season, came under fire after the release earlier in the week of the commemorative jersey, which used a stock image of American soldiers on it.
The jersey, which was to be worn during the Tigers’ round eight match against Manly later this month, was to retail at $160. The club trumpeted its design was “paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their loyal service animals”.
But the detail on the front of the jumper was met with backlash after the glaring error became apparent.
The former State of Origin captain Paul Gallen was among those to criticise the botched design, saying it was “a big stuff up”, while former player Paul Kent said he was “disappointed … that they couldn’t find Australian soldiers to put on there”.
On Wednesday, the Tigers issued a statement to apologise for the oversight and announce a new shirt would be designed immediately.
“As a club Wests Tigers is deeply sorry if the use of this image has in any way offended anyone,” the statement read. “This was never our intention, and we are taking steps to rectify this.
“Wests Tigers deeply regret any offence the use of this stock image may have caused and remain completely committed to honouring and respecting all those servicemen and women who have, and who continue, to serve.”
The club said the initial design was drawn up in collaboration with Holsworthy Army Barracks, which had signed off on the release.
The new jerseys will be auctioned off after the game on 23 May, which is part of the NRL’s Anzac Round, with all proceeds going to the charity Legacy.
The club said it would “continue to embrace the Anzac spirit, this year and in years to come”.
It is the latest in a string of forgettable moments for the Tigers so far this season, despite a degree of optimism surrounding the club before the new campaign started.
Five straight defeats – including a 46-12 thumping by Brisbane last week – have Tim Sheens’ side propping up the bottom of the ladder, doing little to allay fears the club is set for a second straight wooden spoon finish.
