Wallabies legend Mark Ella believes the new Ella-Mobbs Trophy represents the incredible legacy of Indigenous players in rugby union.
The joint announcement was made on Friday ahead of the three-Test series starting July 2, with Ella eventually accepting the honour after walking away from the sport at a young age.
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“It’s means a lot to me and my family,” Ella told reporters.
“I’m honoured that the cup is in our name. It’s a big honour.
“They first ask me that they were considering this and asked what my opinion was. I didn’t really give an opinion. I’d been out of rugby for a long time. I was aware of the Cook Cup; it has been a little while and it took me a bit of persuasion from Rugby Australia to get me interested.
“As much as Rugby was very much a part of my life, as you get older you move on and it’s great to be back within the circle of Rugby.”
The trophy is being designed by Ella's niece, Natalie Bateman, and whilst it remains under wraps until July 1, he revealed part of the inscription will contain a mullet fish, highly symbolic for the Ella family.
Even with that connection, Ella refused to claim sole credit for the honour, believing it represents the impact Indigenous players have made on the game and the continual acknowledgement within the wider Rugby community.
“I think it has to be both, there's no way that I could just say that 'Mark Ella deserved it'," Ella explained.
"In fact, I'm probably representing the Indigenous population, obviously we've had a lot of Indigenous players over the years, with the latest being Kurtley Beale. We're proud of what we've achieved within rugby, and hoping that there are many more to come.
“RA are doing their best; again like other sports it's not easy. But as long as they don't give up hope and believe that there is talent there and there [are] opportunities, that they'll keep on trying.
“It’s getting bigger and better. I listened to the (anthem at the) last couple of Test matches and we’re being acknowledged and that’s a big step from Rugby Australia and I hope it continues."
Ella will be reunited with old mate and England coach Eddie Jones in Perth, excited to reunite with 'Beaver'.
“I’ll probably get to see Eddie in Perth before the first Test match,” Ella said.
“We’ve known each other since we were three years old. We did kindergarten, primary school and high school (together). I know my twin brother Glen and Eddie are thick as thieves. We’ll have a few laughs and giggles when I do catch him.
“…‘Beaver’ playing at (Coogee Oval). Beaver always had a sharp tongue and he didn’t hesitate in telling the referee or his opposition what he thought of him, and we used to have a lot of fun having pot shots at each other. I better not say too much, he might get the s**** with me.”
The former Wallabies skipper played a major role in their 1984 Grand Slam triumph, which included a 19-3 victory at Twickenham.
“Every time against England it’s a huge game,” he believes.
“I had the privilege of playing against England three times. One was with the Australian Schoolboys at Twickenham which was great. I remember there was a London fog and you could barely see the sidelines and got the ball and kicked the living daylights out of it. My brothers Glen and Gary were asking what I was doing and I said I’ve always wanted to kick a ball out of site which I did.
“I played against England at Twickenham in 1984 and then 89 so playing there was one of the highlights of my life.”
