2015 Anzac Test could be held in Gallipoli

[DIEHARD]

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

[DIEHARD]

This would be a dream come true for me. Australia vs New Zealand seems so appropriate.

[TITAN PETE]

I would be there for sure

[Toads]

To be honest, this is all getting out of hand and teetering on the edge to being disrespectful to the ANZAC's and what it's all about. At home (Australia or NZ) they can get away with it, but at Gallipoli, I think not.

It stinks to high heaven with me, and it appears they're cashing in on the ANZAC tradition. How anyone can see this as honouring the ANZAC's is beyond me. Only way the ARLC/NZRL (and/or anyone else) can save face in this situation is to donate all the proceeds. That way it won't seen as a grubby cash grab.

I for one am f#@%in' disgusted by the thought of what's proposed in the article above.

[Titanic]

Toads, I agree with that to a certain point and the idea of all proceeds going to the RSL or whatever organisation is appropriate is very, very right.

However, faced with society's diminishing understanding of the importance of Anzac Day and a cultural need to keep the connection with emerging generations who have never had to face the realities of a global conflict, the positives from the staging of such a game surely outweigh the negatives.

Playing the game at a decent stadium would have a novelty value, furthermore the two countries have embraced trans-Tasman rivalry as a cultural schism with a similar intensity as the comradeship they have shared in times of hardship ... to enjoy that divide and to pay their respects seems worthy to me.

I would have thought to put 50,000, otherwise partially disconnected, people in touch with this most sacred of events would be welcomed by all. Anyway, I would attend with my son who at six needs that connect.

[hammer]

As Gus would say...no, no, no, no, no! Gallipoli is sacred ground IMO this is disrepectful...keep it in Australia!

[Titanic]

As Gus would say...no, no, no, no, no! Gallipoli is sacred ground IMO this is disrepectful...keep it in Australia!

Not play at Gallipoli, play in Istanbul but attending the Dawn Service at Gallipoli should be on the traveling list of all young Australians if not all Australians.

[Toads]

Yeah, the match wouldn't be held at Gallipoli, but instead at a stadium located some 250 odd k's away (as the crow flies) from ANZAC Cove. And yes, I do agree it would be good for those that are in a position to get over there and experience a Dawn Service for themselves. It's something I'll never get to experience, but if I could, I'd be off in a flash.

As for the ANZAC tradition, it is definitely something that will twindle in time. Though I don't think the ARLC ans NZRL should hasten up the process with plans they have on the drawing board.

Also, Australia has well become a Multi-cultural Country, and there's a good chance that anyone that has emigrated to our country in that time. Probably don't give a flying toss about the ANZAC tradition. With that said, I don't see that, or any other reason to speed up the demise of it. Because as sure as s#!t, once the ARLC/NZRL get this happening over. The merchandise like commemorative Jerseys and so on will be flogged off to the punters.

Then what you have is the snowball effect where every grub gets onboard and cashes in on the ANZAC tradition, or what's left of it.

I'm not a religious person, but you only have to look at what Christmas, Easter, Mother's and Father's Day 'n so on have developed into. They're events that people have lost all scope to what those days are about, and are now fully blown commercialised events where every man 'n his dog want to make a buck off.

Some will agree with 'n other will strongly oppose my opinion. But I guess it comes down to the individual.. Are you content with ANZAC tradition being misrepresented by grubs that are only interested in it for the $$$, or should we do our best to maintain and continue to show respect to the fallen, on the 25th of April each year?

[DIEHARD]

I think we always need to tread carefully with this kind of thing. But I think new ways to commenerate the Anzac legend are needed to help it live on.

I think Australian club sides playing each other in AFL and NRL is a bit dodge compared to Australia and New Zealand actually playing each other.

A respectfully distance from Gallipoli would be a good idea. Geographically.

I dont think the Anzac tradition will deminish at all. It probably has faced its biggest challenge over the last few years with the loss of all WW1 vets and many WW2. And young Australians have embraced it and we see big crowds at Anzac events. We see other countries national days of remembrance and celebration go from strength to strength. And we all know Aussies and Kiwis wont be beaten, so I have faith.

And yes Pete, Ill be there as well if it goes ahead.

[DIEHARD]

Not play at Gallipoli, play in Istanbul but attending the Dawn Service at Gallipoli should be on the traveling list of all young Australians if not all Australians.

I agree. I heard someone on the radio say that it is also a good idea to go at other times than Anzac Day. Less crowds and more personal and solemn.

[Titanic]

Hey Toads, I think you are religious ... you've got Titania, the fatal disease that strikes when you least expect it and turns your heart to blue/gold/white.

I don't want to seem like a Srama queen but you had better see a Skilled surgeon quickly before you have a Sezer and it turns wooden. If not, I suggest that you run a few Myles and kiss a handsome Prince ... he'll tell you to down a Mead or two and you'll feel like a Champion.

[Toads]

PMSL, I'll take your advice, Titanic. But @#$%ed if I'm kissin' Princey..