A special ANZAC Day ceremony and free entry to current and Ex-services personnel are planned as a part of the game day activities when the Sharks tackle the Panthers in a blockbuster NRL clash at Southern Cross Group Stadium on Sunday.
After seeking and being granted NRL and broadcaster approval despite the game being conducted the day before ANZAC Day, the Sharks will commemorate the important occasion with a ceremony which will include The Ode, the Last Post, a moments silence and the Rouse.
The New Zealand and Australian anthems will then be performed by Able Seaman Leigh Robke and backed by the Australian Navy Band.
The Ode will be read by RSL State Councillor Bill Harrigan Snr and the Last Post played by Leading Seaman Marcus Salone.
“It is very important we recognise ANZAC Day and pay tribute to our service personnel past and present,” Sharks Group CEO Lyall Gorman said. “We will certainly give the occasion the respect it deserves and the coach and players will be on the field during the ceremony after expressing a desire to be a part of the commemorations.”
In a further show of respect the Sharks will be offering free entry to Sunday’s game to current service personnel in uniform, current service personnel with official Defence ID, Defence Personnel with a Returned from Active Service Badge and ex-service personnel wearing medals.
Two special turnstiles, marked at each gate, will allow entry to the current and ex-services personnel producing the appropriate identification.
Kick-off to the NRL game is at 4.10pm, with the ANZAC ceremony to take place immediately preceding the start of the match.
Commemorate ANZAC Day with the Sharks on Sunday.
