Why Anzac Day clash means that little bit more to Harry

Harry Grant has plenty of motivation to make his first Anzac Day clash experience a memorable occasion on Sunday with family and friends heavily on his mind this week.

Grant shares a house with teammate Cooper Johns and Georgia Moore, the daughter of the Storm's inaugural football manager Michael Moore, who tragically passed away during a trip to Auckland in 2000.

The Moore family has remained an important part of the club and games between the Storm and Warriors have been played in his honour since Michael Moore's passing.

"There's a lot of meaning behind the game and I'm really looking forward to it," Grant told NRL.com.

"Being able to play for the Mick Moore trophy, you learn a lot about the history behind it and its extra significance, especially for me living with Georgia.

"His family are held in really high regard by everyone at the club. I have a lot of respect for the past and it's a great way to also recognise what the Anzac servicemen and women did for us.

"There are a lot of Kiwis in our side and a good time to get the Warriors. It's also my mum's birthday on Sunday. Her and Dad are coming down from Queensland as well, so there's a lot to play for."

Georgia, who works at a law firm and is set to attend the clash at AAMI Park in honour of her father, recently spoke about living with the pair on her sports podcast, Chicks and Balls.

"I enjoy the fact that these two boys obviously work very hard but don't have your typical day job," she said.  

"So it's very refreshing when I come back from the office that they have no concept of what I do so they don't ask about work.

"Cooper is definitely the class clown of the house, in a good way. It's very entertaining. I haven't lived with two guys before but they're very helpful and supportive friends."

Melbourne's recent record against the Warriors is also telling with the defending premiers aiming for their 10th consecutive win over their counterparts – including their fifth straight on Anzac Day.

However, one familiar name won't be there for the first time in over a decade with all eyes on the newest one-two punch at hooker.

Retired legend Cameron Smith had not missed an Anzac Day clash between the two sides since the clubs began to play each other on April 25, 2009.

Grant and Brandon Smith have wasted no time in replacing the champion dummy half – in their own way – with their combination and mateship off the field coming into play.

While Smith is painted as the rugged hooker-turned-forward from New Zealand, Grant has been viewed the opposite with his style of play.

"It's hard to replace a guy like Cameron Smith, not just the way he played but his leadership as well," Grant said.

"He was an 80-minute player that did so much for the side and me and Brandon play the game so much different to him.

"We've tried to pick his brain over the past few years but we also wanted to put our own twist on the team.

"Cameron saw the game so much different to most players whereas me and Brandon see the game very similar and play in tandem. It worked well last week and we get on very well.

"Brandon's just a lovable character. Everyone loves him and what he brings to the side."

Be part of the NRL action on Anzac Day as the game does its bit to honour Australia and New Zealand’s military forces. Tickets at NRL.com/Tickets