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ANZAC Day epic returns to SFS

One of Rugby League’s iconic fixtures returns to its home, the Sydney Football Stadium, when the Sydney Roosters clash with St George Illawarra in the ANZAC Day blockbuster on Saturday.

The match kicks-off at the traditional Saturday afternoon 3.00pm timeslot. Gates open at 12.45pm.

The ANZAC Day clash at the SFS has been a feature NRL match since its inception in 2002 and another big crowd is anticipated for this eagerly awaited showdown.

In-form Dragons five-eighth Jamie Soward said he was looking forward to the match and pulsating atmosphere.

“Last year was my first ANZAC Day game and it’s obviously a big day for everyone,” said Soward at a media conference at the SFS. “There’s a lot of passion out there.

“It probably means a little more for us this week because we had a loss last week. We’re looking to get back in the winners list. It’s definitely a big day. It’s a big occasion for both teams”.

Rival forwards, Roosters’ Nate Myles and Dragons’ Jarrod Saffy, expect a torrid encounter.

“I think anytime you play the Dragons it’s going to be physical,” said Myles. “They’ve definitely been playing that way this year. They’ve got good ‘go forward’ and a lot of big boys, so we’re going to have to be careful around the middle.”

Saffy said; “The Roosters have got a big side and they’re always physical, as they were last year, so I’m sure they’re going to come at us through the middle so it’ll be a battle up front once again.”

The ANZAC Cup will arrive at the SFS by military helicopter and the match will be preceded by the Last Post.

The Roosters will wear the sky blue, red and white jersey which was used during World War II.

Diggers or family members wearing military medals will gain free admission to the SFS and can also purchase a pie and a soft drink for $6.00.

The Roosters and the NRL are recording messages of support to send to soldiers currently serving abroad and fans can record their own personal message in the SFS forecourt prior to kick off.

Fans are encouraged to take public transport and pre-purchase tickets to avoid queuing.   

The ANZAC Day match results are;

2002 - Roosters 24 def Dragons 20
2003 - Dragons 24 def Roosters 20
2004 - Roosters 11 def Dragons 8
2005 - Dragons 26 def Roosters 24
2006 - Dragons 22 def Roosters 12
2007 - Roosters 18 def Dragons 4
2008 - Dragons 26 def Roosters 6

EVENT DETAILS
ANZAC Day Cup - Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons
Sydney Football Stadium
Saturday 25 April 2009 
3.00pm