New Zealand Defense Force teams up with Warriors for Anzac Day League match

A full-capacity Go Media Stadium will host the largest contingent of New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) personnel to commemorate Anzac Day anywhere in the world.

The NZDF and One New Zealand Warriors have joined forces on an unprecedented scale for the Warriors 2024 Anzac Day meeting with the Gold Coast Titans on Thursday.

Rugby League fans will be treated to ceremonial pomp and pageantry, the sight of military equipment on the ground and in the air, and an appearance by a number of canine personnel.

This is only the second time New Zealand has hosted the Anzac Day match, nine years after the first time it marked the 100th anniversary of the start of the Gallipoli campaign in 2015.

“It is a special honor for us to be hosting the Anzac Day game again,” said Cameron George, CEO of One New Zealand Warriors.

“From our perspective, it is appropriate that the NRL commemorates such an important day for our two nations.”

The association between Anzac Day and the major sporting codes of New Zealand and Australia runs deep, and in particular for the One New Zealand Warriors.

“We are extremely grateful to the New Zealand Defense Forces for providing valuable support to ensure we can celebrate this day in a dignified and respectful manner,” said Cameron George.

From having the New Zealand Army Band leading the field, with vocalists, a bugler and a Royal New Zealand Navy guard of honor taking on the ceremonial duties, more than 150 service personnel will be front and center at one of the largest locations in the country. sports stages for a sold-out crowd.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force A109 helicopter will deliver the match ball in spectacular fashion, landing on the center line before the match.

The Australian Defense Force will also be represented on the field with a flag bearer.

“The commemoration of Anzac Day is one of the most important national occasions on both sides of the Tasman,” said Defense Public Affairs Director Lieutenant Colonel Tony Sumner.

“Although Anzac originated on the beaches and hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula more than a century ago, this day continues to symbolize the very close ties we have with our Australian friends.

“It is a special honor to be able to commemorate those who served, fought and fell on such a great sporting stage.”

Some of the NZDF’s frontline capabilities will be on display at the Go Media Stadium, with Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) and the Army’s new armored Bushmasters for fans to look through and meet the soldiers who operate them.

Supporters will also have the chance to see the NZDF military working dogs demonstrate their incredible skills during a halftime show.

The One New Zealand Warriors will also wear a special commemorative jersey to mark the occasion, comprising several key design elements to honor the servicemen and women who have fought for New Zealand and Australia.

Fans are encouraged to come to Go Media Stadium early on Thursday for a special Anzac theme when the NZDF women’s rugby league team take on their New Zealand Police counterpart.

Across the Tasman, the NZDF men’s team will also warm up the crowd at Accor Stadium in Sydney, taking on the Australian Defense Force rugby league team in a closely fought match ahead of the annual Anzac Day event clash between the Sydney Roosters and St George. Illawarra dragons.

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The New Zealand Warriors will take on the Gold Coast Titans at Go Media Stadium on April 25 at 4pm, with the match airing on Sky.

The NZDF women’s rugby league team will take on the New Zealand Police at 2pm.

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