Sharks drawing on Anzac spirit in special round

Author: Sharks Media
Timestamp: Thu 24 Apr 2025, 11:55 AM

The enduring spirit and courage of the diggers will galvanise the Sharks when they face the Wests Tigers in a poignant Anzac Round match at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday afternoon.

The club will also pay its respects on Anzac Day, with players and staff to lay wreaths at dawn services around the Sutherland Shire tomorrow morning.

"To think about the sacrifice that those brave men and women made for us, that selfless attitude they have, I think is part of what makes Australia such a great culture and who we are as people," NRL captain Cameron McInnes said.

"I've been lucky enough to play on Anzac Day a couple of times (and I know) how important it is for them to be remembered on such a national stage.

"I'm glad that the game I play gets to help facilitate that."

While he won't line up in the NRL, hooker Jayden Berrell will represent his family when the Newtown Jets tackle Western Suburbs in the NSW Cup on Saturday.

"My great grandfather, who served in World War II with the Royal Australian Airforce, and also my pop – my grandfather – who served at the Vietnam War... It's a great time to honour them and remember what they've done," Berrell said.

NRLW fullback Jada Taylor is another Shark with an Anzac connection.

"It's a great time to represent and honour our current and former soldiers," she said.

"It's also a great opportunity for my family to honour my pop, who served in the Vietnam War. We know sport and the NRL often brings a lot of people together, so if we can support our veterans and bring them together and show them that teamwork and camaraderie that they love, then why not?"

The Sharks are proudly aligned with FrontLine Australia, a veteran-run business specialising in home services for Defence Force personnel.

"It's a really special day for both nations (Australia and New Zealand). We get to come together and reflect on the courage, the leadership, the sacrifice that the men and women have made through the years," Warrant Officer Chris Hayden, a long-time FrontLine Australia client, said during a recent visit to Sharks Stadium.

"I think the NRL and sport in general does a really good job of reflecting on, and bringing into the public eye, the importance of Anzac Day."

The significance of the occasion is deeply respected by Cronulla, who have won all three of their Anzac Round matches under coach Craig Fitzgibbon.

On behalf of everyone at the club, the Sharks thank all servicepeople for their gallantry and sacrifice in fighting for our freedom. Lest we forget.