While driving home the other day, listening to talk-back on Radio 4BC, I was bewildered to hear that the Test on Saturday night is not known as the Anzac Test. I was certain it was called the Anzac Test many years ago.
Wouldn’t it be much more fitting to have the Test match between Australia and New Zealand on Anzac Day?
If this tradition were to commence next year, I would suggest having it at Lang Park to ensure a sell-out crowd.
That way it would be much more credible than just being called a Test match. It would also make it much more easier to attend as it would be public holiday and families and mates could attend together.
Please be advised that as an ex-serviceman, the days of catching up with mates of the past seems to be limited even more so in this day and age. This would give us an opportunity to go to services and parade in morning and then go to the game afterwards.
If it were to be called an Anzac Test and played on Anzac Day it would create consistency and be very much the annual must-see game. With all due respect to St George Illawarra and the Sydney Roosters with their current Anzac Day clash, not every rugby league fan watches that game. A lot of fans only watch their teams play.
That game could possibly be moved to Good Friday.
Just as our ex-soldiers fought and sacrificed their lives for both our countries, our international players can contribute to keep the Anzac Spirit alive and well.
It could be the equivalent of the Boxing Day Test to cricket – every person in Australia knows when it’s on and when it starts. The Boxing Day Test brings out the traditional fans of the game and also incorporates them with other fans that may be attending for the first time.
But back to rugby league. If the Anzac Day Test were to occur every Anzac Day at the same kick-off time do you think any of us would forget the date and time to watch that game? For some reason, we all seem to feel prouder about our countries on Anzac Day.
Plus, it is excellent that the spirit of any Australia versus New Zealand game is always played in good spirit. Both the players and fans make it an enjoyable spectacle to watch, regardless of who wins.
Tonight, I will be watching the match at a pub somewhere in Brisbane and am very excited. Everything should be done in the game’s best interest and the game has to come first before anything or anyone.
The NRL’s CEO, David Smith, has performed a magnificent job since taking the position of the clubs and listening to fan requests. I truly hope that he has considered this proposal as it is one that would be viable economically and create a tradition that would be around for many years to come.
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