NRL: Regular Anzac date wanted

The NRL is expected to back a proposal from the Melbourne Storm that they face the Warriors annually to mark Anzac Day, as is the case this Saturday.

The Storm CEO Brian Waldron has asked the governing body to approve the fixture for three years initially.

The club has forged a "Spirit of Anzac Medal", to be presented to one player who typifies the traits of courage and comradeship of the soldiers and the recipient will be chosen by the coach of the winning team.

The national anthems of both nations will be sung, the Australian flag will be raised by Flight Lieutenant Nathan Tate of the Royal Australian Air Force and the New Zealand colours will be hoisted by Flight Lieutenant Dwayne Boyes of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, with The Last Post to be played just before kick-off.

Speculation continues regarding the team line-ups, with the Storm expected to inject Brett Finch, whom they bought last week after he was discarded by Parramatta, and the Warriors hopeful that their fullback Wade McKinnon will make a speedy recovery from a hamstring injury.

The side flies to Melbourne today, a day earlier than their usual schedule - an indication of how seriously they want a win.