GWM Game Day Guide: Anzac Round history in Christchurch

GWM Game Day Guide: Anzac Round in Christchurch

Author: Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Timestamp: Wed 23 Apr 2025, 06:49 PM

It’s the one day of every season when game day is and always will be about so much more than the game of rugby league.

It’s the day when the code, the NRL, rival players, staff and fans are as one, pausing in unison to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Since 2009 the One New Zealand Warriors have stood alongside players from Melbourne and Gold Coast at AAMI Park and Go Media Stadium in emotion-charged pre-game ceremonies to commemorate the day which binds two nations together.

On Friday the club’s Anzac Day tradition gains a new chapter when the Warriors play at a new venue and against a first-time opponent facing the Newcastle Knights at a sold-out Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.

The Warriors’ two previous home matches on Anzac Day – against the Titans in 2015 and 2024 – left profound memories of experiences rich in moment, dignity and remembrance.

Round 8 - Friday 25th April

Full Time

Warriors

Knights

Venue: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch

Highlights Latest

On the field of play, the Warriors haven’t fared well for many years, their last Anzac Round victory achieved against the Storm in 2014 but always it is the day itself and what it stands for that matters most.

So it will be on Friday.

Shortly after 7.50pm the two teams will walk out together, side by side, for the first Anzac Day ceremony under lights in New Zealand. The Last Post will be played, there’ll be recitals of the Ode of Remembrance in both Te Reo and English, a moment of silence, the rouse and the playing of the two national anthems.

The two teams will then have time to gather themselves before kick-off in the round eight contest, the second of three matches being played on Friday.

More than 75 New Zealand Defence Force personnel will be involved in the ceremony to recognise and acknowledge all those who have served, fought and fallen in the pursuit of peace and freedom.

“It’s a special honour for us to host the Anzac Day game again,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.

“We’re extremely grateful to the New Zealand Defence Force for lending such valuable support to ensure we are able to mark the day in a dignified and respectful way.”

Later there will be a special Anzac Day flavour in the halftime entertainment.

Earlier harness racing and rugby league will come together with an Anzac Day race day at the adjacent Addington Raceway, the result of a partnership formed between Harness Racing New Zealand and the One New Zealand Warriors.

Starting at 2.30pm (last race at 7.20pm) it gives sporting fans the opportunity to enjoy both great events in the one location. There’ll be plenty of family-friendly activities and Warriors spot prizes up for grabs as well as an opportunity to meet players NRL and NRLW players.