The NRL, together with clubs, players and fans, will pause during the Anzac Round to honour and reflect on the sacrifices thousands of service men and women made in protecting Australia, New Zealand and countries around the world.
Short ceremonies will be held prior to the start of matches across the round, with the NRL partnering with the Returned Services League (RSL), Australian War Memorial and Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces to honour those who have served and continue to serve.
On Anzac Day itself, traditional matches will take place between the Roosters and Dragons in Sydney followed by the Storm and the Vodafone Warriors in Melbourne.
This will be the 16th time that the Roosters and Dragons have played on Anzac Day while it will be the eighth time that the Storm have met the Vodafone Warriors in Melbourne on April 25, with all four teams including a mix of Australian and New Zealand players.
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign and the rugby league community will pause to remember this campaign across the round.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg paid tribute to the thousands of service men and women who have fought to protect the freedom of many.
“Thousands within military roles have had a connection to rugby league over the years – either involved in the game or as fans,” said Greenberg.
“The Anzac Round is always an occasion treated with respect, honour and dignity, as it should be.
“I will be one of many within the Australian and New Zealand rugby league communities attending a match and honouring those who have valiantly ensured the freedom that both countries enjoy.”
Special ticket offers will be available across Anzac Round for current and ex service personnel and RSL members wishing to attend matches.
Formal identification will need to be verified prior to ticket purchases, with further information on specific match commemorations and ticket offers available on host club websites.
