One day before their clash for the Anzac Cup, the Sydney Roosters squad met with the Australian Defence Force Rugby League (ADFRL) team to hear about what Anzac Day means to those who have served.
Tomorrow at 1:50pm, the Australian Defence Force Rugby League team will take on the Australian Fire Fighters Rugby League team with the winner being awarded the Gallipoli Cup.
For the ADFRL team, Anzac Day highlights the importance of appreciating those who are currently serving and the sacrifices they have made to make our country what it is today.
“When we think about Anzac, it’s not just an acronym, it is truly a culture, a spirit that is embedded in our national identity, one of sacrifice, of mateship, of people going out there and giving selflessly,” Brigadier Dave Hafner, President of the Australian Defence Force Rugby League said.
What we enjoy every day in this nation, we get to experience, is because many of them gave their lives so that we can live the way we do.
Brigadier Dave Hafner On the meaning of Anzac Day
Lieutenant Lachlan Roe explained that although he is relatively new in terms of serving the country after joining the defence force in 2020, Anzac Day is extremely important to him and his family who have served for years.
“My father has served for more than 30 years in the Air Force now, so ANZAC day has always been a huge day for our family growing up,” he said.
“We’ve been to every dawn service, ever since I can remember. Once I was given the opportunity to watch my dad march and it was a really big day for us as a family.
“On Anzac Day, we get to march and have pride in what we do, so for me personally it’s about all the soldiers past and present who have served, but it’s also about the families, the communities and the culture that comes with it.
“It’s a huge part of my life and will be in the future, and I really appreciate you that you all have taken the time out of your day to hang out, have lunch with us and celebrate that.”
For Sergeant John Hatch who has served in the Defence Force for 18 years, Anzac Day signifies the camaraderie and friendships forged on the battlefield.
“I’ve completed two services, I spent the better part of my career with the army in the infantry and I just recently transferred over to the Air Force,” he explained.
“I deployed in Afghanistan in 2013 and then Iraq in 2016, I’ve had a long career but the day coming up tomorrow means a lot to me personally.
“My whole family has been involved in the defence force, my great grandfather was in the Boer War, both my grandfather was in the Battle of Britain and my grandmother was one of the first volunteer nurses that took the patients from Changi.
“It’s really important that we honour the sacrifices that all our relatives have made in the past, but it’s not just that, it’s also the families that make sacrifices and support us while we’re away serving.”
As the Roosters prepare to face the Dragons in the 22nd Anzac Day Cup clash, vice-captain Luke Keary welcomed the ADFRL team to Allianz Stadium, sharing that the Anzac occasion is of high importance to the entire team.
“It’s really special for us that we get to share this moment with you today," he said.
We feel very privileged that we get to play on this day every year.
Sydney Roosters Vice Captain Luke Keary Speaking on behalf of the playing squad ahead of Anzac Day
“We're grateful to just to play a small part on Anzac Day, but to sit here and listen to what it means to you and hear about the sacrifices you have made makes it really special.”
When the Roosters walk out of the tunnel and onto the field to observe a minute of silence before the game, they will be thinking of the thousands of servicemen and women who have fearlessly defended our values and freedoms for decades.
