NRL Anzac Day: Warriors team up with Defence Force for tribute before Anzac match v Titans

The New Zealand Defence Force and the New Zealand Warriors are teaming up for a special commemorative Anzac Day fixture at Go Media Stadium.

By RNZ

The New Zealand Defence Force’s largest contingent commemorating Anzac Day this year will be at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium for the Warriors’ NRL match against the Gold Coast Titans.

Pomp and pageantry will mix with rugby league, as more than 150 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel and staff attend the match, which is only the second time the Warriors, the only Kiwi team in the NRL competition, have hosted the Anzac Day fixture. The first was nine years ago, marking the 100-year anniversary of the start of the Gallipoli campaign.

The New Zealand Army Band will lead proceedings on the field, with singers, a bugler and a Royal New Zealand Navy guard of honour taking on the ceremonial duties, while a Royal New Zealand Air Force A109 helicopter will deliver the match ball, touching down on the halfway line before the match.

The Australian Defence Force will be represented with a flagbearer on the field.

Warriors and Titans fans will be able to look through light armoured vehicles (LAVs) and the army’s new armoured Bushmasters. They can also meet the soldiers who operate them, while the military’s working dogs will show their skills at halftime.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George said he felt honoured to host the Anzac Day game.

Warriors CEO Cameron George.

“From our viewpoint, it’s appropriate that the NRL should commemorate such an important day for our two nations,” George said.

“We’re extremely grateful to the New Zealand Defence Force for lending such valuable support to ensure we are able to mark the day in a dignified and respectful way.”

Defence public affairs director Lieutenant Colonel Tony Sumner said the commemorations are one of the most important national occasions on both sides of the Tasman.

“While Anzac had its origins on the beaches and hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula over a century ago, this day continues to symbolise the very close bonds we have with our Australian friends,” Sumner said.

“To be able to commemorate those who have served, fought and fallen on such a large sporting stage is a particular honour.”

The Warriors aren’t the only team playing at Go Media Stadium on Thursday, with the NZDF’s women’s rugby league team taking on their New Zealand Police counterparts as the curtain-raiser.

Across the ditch, the NZDF men’s rugby league team will be going for it against the Australian Defence Force team at Accor Stadium in Sydney before the Sydney Roosters-St George Illawarra Dragons clash.

Since 1998, the Warriors and the Titans have played 32 times. The Warriors have won 20 of those games.

The match starts at 4pm on Thursday.

Additional reporting Daniel Perese, Whakaata Māori