The St George Illawarra Dragons will meet the Sydney Roosters on Anzac Day (April 25) at Allianz Stadium, Sydney. This is your game day guide.
- Take a look the Dragons’ Anzac Cup team here
- All the latest NRLW signings here
- Purchase the 2023 commemorative jersey here
- The latest injury news on Jaydn Su'A and Mikaele Ravalawa
A grand occasion
The biggest game of any regular NRL season has returned for its 22nd anniversary – the Anzac Cup on Anzac Day.
The two clubs have competed for the Anzac Cup on one of the country's most significant days since 2002, paying tribute to the men and women of the Australian and New Zealand defence forces.
The Dragons are looking to retain the Anzac Cup after trumping the Roosters 14-12 in a thrilling affair in last year's encounter. The Ashton-Collier Spirit of Anzac Medal will once again be awarded to the Man of the Match.
The Anzac Ceremony will commence at 3:30pm, with parachuters delivering the match ball before the Ode, the Last Post, the Rouse and Australian and New Zealand National anthems are played, with the Roosters and Dragons NRL Game set to commence at 4:05pm.
Key timings
Gates open: 1.30pm
Australian Defence Force v Australian Fire Fighters: 1.50pm
Anzac ceremony: 3.30pm
NRL kick-off: 4.05pm
Watch: Nine, Foxtel and Kayo
Lest we forget: Roosters and Dragons legends remember Anzac Day
In Flanders Fields
The Dragons have created a special jersey to reflect the occasion paying homage to one of the most recognised war-time poems and the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces.
In 1915 Canadian Medical Corps Doctor, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, wrote the poem 'In Flanders Fields'. The poem speaks to the anguish and loss involved in wars and inspired the use of a poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
The jersey also showcases a double 'V' which represents the corporal ranking in the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force).
The aim of the Dragons jersey is to honour those fallen, while bringing the words and visuals of McCrae's poem to prominence.
You can find out more about the jersey here and purchase your 2023 commemorative jersey here.
Su'A sidelined
Anthony Griffin has been forced into one change after enforcer Jaydn Su'A suffered a shoulder injury against the Raiders.
Su'A is replaced by Ben Murdoch-Masila who has been recalled in the side while Jack Bird and Jack de Belin remain at second-row and lock respectively.
Roosters reshuffle
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has made significant changes to his side which has won three games this year.
Angus Crichton, Sitili Tupouniua and Paul Momirovski all have been named to make their first-grade return.
Joseph Manu has been named to play five-eighth alongside Luke Keary with Sam Walker dropping out of the squad.
Rising to the occasion
There's no doubt the traditional Anzac Day fixture is the biggest regular season match on the calendar and that fact isn't lost on the Dragons.
Despite the Roosters winning eight of their past nine games against the Dragons, the Red V has been victorious in nine of their past 14 Anzac Day games against the Roosters.
We remember those who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions across the world.
Lest we forget.
