Members of the Red Berets will parachute onto Allianz Stadium to deliver the ANZAC Cup to Australian Army VIPs for the traditional pre-match ceremony for Friday’s blockbuster between the Dragons and Roosters, one of three NRL games being played in three states on ANZAC Day.
All three matches will feature pre-match ceremonies honouring the ANZAC Day traditions and those Australian and New Zealand service personnel both past and present who served their nation.
The NRL ANZAC Day triple-header will kick off at 4pm with the traditional Sydney clash between the Dragons and Roosters, now in its 13th year, as the defending NRL premiers, the Roosters also defend the ANZAC Cup they won last year for the first time in six years.
The second NRL ANZAC Day match will be the sixth annual ANZAC Day battle between the Storm and Warriors at Melbourne’s AAMI Park at 6pm; while the Broncos take on the Rabbitohs at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium at 8pm in their first clash on this iconic day.
The Storm and Warriors will play for the Michael Moore Trophy, named in honour of Melbourne’s inaugural Football Manager who tragically passed away in Auckland on the night of the opening round clash in 2000.
The Ashton Collier Spirit of ANZAC Award (Roosters-Dragons), won last year by Boyd Cordner (Roosters); and the ANZAC Medal (Storm-Warriors), won last year by Ryan Hoffman (Storm), will be awarded to the players who best typify the ANZAC spirit in these matches.
All games have experienced strong pre-sales and fans wishing to attend are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance through Ticketek or arrive early given the large crowds expected.
Tickets (No junior passes at Sydney and Melbourne ANZAC Day games; permitted in Brisbane at this stage)
Please note that junior passes will NOT permit entry into the Sydney and Melbourne ANZAC Day games on Friday due to capacity constraints. N.B. In Brisbane the match is selling well and GA capacity will be likely limited so people are encouraged to get to the game early. Updated information can be found here while tickets can be purchased through Ticketek and its outlets or by phoning 132 849.
Sydney
$50 Family tickets are available; along with ANZAC Day Double/Two Game Bundle from just $30 - be a part of two big Rugby League events at Allianz Stadium. Witness the traditional Dragons V Roosters match on ANZAC Day and see the Australian Kangaroos take on the New Zealand Kiwis, in a repeat of last year’s World Cup Final just seven days later on May 2.
Current and former service personnel will gain free entry under the following guidelines:
• Current Service Personnel in Uniform
• Current Service Personnel with official Defence ID
• Defence Personnel with a Returned from Active Service Badge
• Ex Service Personnel wearing Medals (ex soldiers)
• RSL Members with RSL Badge.
Important Messages for Allianz Stadium Patrons
1. Given the Anzac Day activities throughout Sydney and the metro areas, pre-plan your journey to Allianz Stadium and allow adequate time to arrive ahead of kick-off
2. Use public transport. Regular buses to and from Allianz Stadium will operate from Central. Download the SCG Trust app for a complete guide to the stadium and how to get here.
3. Arrive early to take your seat and pay tribute to those who have served and fallen when the special pre-match commemoration takes place before kick-off.
Melbourne
As it is a fully ticketed game, some complimentary tickets for defence personnel have been co-ordinated pre-game.
Brisbane
Adult tickets are available for the discounted price of $25 by presenting RSL Membership or Australian Defence Force ID at any Ticketek agency or the Broncos Superstore.
History
The first ANZAC Day Rugby League game was played in 1927 between Glebe and Western Suburbs, but the now traditional clash is between St George Illawarra and the Sydney Roosters.
St George and Eastern Suburbs clashed on ANZAC Day in 1959, 1961, 1978, 1979 and since 2002, the Dragons and Roosters have re-ignited this game, creating one of the most exciting matches on the calendar.
In recent years another ANZAC Day game has been added to the NRL calendar, as the Storm and Warriors go head-to-head at Melbourne’s AAMI Park. The first of these games was played in 2009 with an amazing 14-14 draw a fitting end to the celebration of the sacrifices made by soldiers from Australia and New Zealand.
In 2014 for the first time, an ANZAC Day triple-header will feature a clash between the Broncos and Rabbitohs at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
