ARL Commision throws support behind 2015 Anzac rugby league Test match to be played in Gallipoli
The new ARL Commission has issued official support for the 2015 Anzac Test match to be played at Gallipoli, marking 100 years since the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops during World War I.
ARL commissioners held a board meeting last Friday in Auckland -- also attended by NZRL CEO Jim Doyle and chairman Scott Carter -- to discuss the historic rugby league game. It received unanimous support.
The logistics of the trip are now being further investigated by the ARLC and NZRL and a ground 45 minutes from Anzac Cove has been identified.
Plans to play the game were first unveiled last year, but stalled until the commission was formed.
Players would play the Test match before attending Dawn Service at Anzac Cove the following morning.
"The Gallipoli centenary game was brought up at the commission meeting and it's fair to say there is a high level of interest among the ARLC and NZRL," NRL chief executive David Gallop said.
"A Test match between Australia and New Zealand would be an ideal fit for the Anzac celebrations."
"We are certainly pushing ahead to try and make it happen. The timeslot works in allowing the players to make it to Dawn Service at Anzac Cove the next morning after the game."
"It would be a special thing to be a part of for our senior players and fans of the game."
"It would be great for rugby league to celebrate such a significant event in both country's history."
The commissioners met in Auckland last Friday before the Test match at Eden Park, won 20-12 by Australia.
"We have previously done research on this game but everything went on hold until after the ARL commission was announced," Doyle said.
"It was raised again and given support of the ARLC. It is still on the agenda.
There is a bit of work to be done but there are certainly willing parties."
"I spoke to the New Zealand players and they want to participate in something of such value."
"We just have to work out the logistics, times frames, game time, Dawn Service and then getting the players back for the next NRL round."
"The ARL Commission is keen to see it happen. There is a lot of work to do but we hope to have a decision within the next two months."
Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, which holds 50,000 people, is another option for the match