Rugby league is very much about history and tradition — and it has been since the foundation year in 1908.
Anzac Day is an integral part of this country’s history.
The Dragons and Roosters play a match which holds greater significance than all others in the NRL on Anzac Day.
Since 2002, the Dragons and Roosters have played in the Anzac Day game on April 25, regardless of which day of the week Anzac Day falls.
There have been 12 clashes between the Dragons and Roosters with the red and whites holding an 8-4 lead in these special encounters since 2002.
And this Friday, April 25, a day when the Australian and New Zealand armed forces came together at Gallipoli in 1915, the rugby league family comes together to pay its respects to the fallen and those who returned from all global conflicts.
The commemorative match between the Dragons and Roosters always attracts a huge crowd. Ex-servicemen and women and current armed service personnel following Anzac day services, attend.
Supporters from both clubs are touched by the occasion.
Many rugby league players served their country in both world wars and many supporters have family links to Australia’s military history.
The Dragons and Roosters play for the Anzac Trophy; the clash will send tingles down the spines of spectators.
Dragons skipper Ben Creagh said Anzac Day had pecial significance for all Australians.
‘‘All players have the utmost respect for Anzac Day and the occasion,’’ Creagh said.
‘‘We get to play sport and have liberties because of the sacrifices made by many people in the armed services.
‘‘To play in this annual game is treated with absolute reverence.’’
Match kick-off will be at 4pm, Anzac Day, April 25, at Allianz Stadium.
How do you think the Dragons will go against the Roosters?
Warriors defeated: St George Illawarra defeated New Zealand Warriors 20-10 at WIN Jubilee Kogarah on Saturday night. It’s the 10th straight victory against the Warriors, taking the Dragons to sixth on eight points in the 2014 NRL comp.
Dragons 20 (Jason Nightingale, Mike Cooper, Josh Dugan tries; Gareth Widdop
2 goals d New Zealand Warriors 10. Crowd: 10,559.
Milestones: Brett Morris now has bragging rights over his dad, Steve, who came to the Dragons from Dapto in 1979 and scored 102 tries until 1986. Steve played with the Roosters in 1987-1990. Steve began as a halfback and switched to the wing in 1984. Brett, 27, scored his 103rd career try against Melbourne Storm last week. Trent Merrin plays his 100th first grade game for the Dragons on Anzac Day.
Holden Cup: The Dragons tackle the Roosters in the Holden Cup at 1.45pm on Anzac Day at Allianz Stadium on Anzac Day. They were beaten 36-12 by New Zealand Warriors on Saturday at WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah.
Casualties: Matt Groat (groin, out indefinitely) and Dylan Farrell (torn pectoral muscle, out indefinitely).‘‘Dylan has had his pectoral muscle repaired,” said Dragons performance director Andrew Gray.
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