SA rugby league’s best clash for Anzac Day pride

ANZAC pride will be on the line this weekend when ­Adelaide’s best rugby league players clash to honour those that served.

ANZAC pride will be on the line this weekend when ­Adelaide’s best rugby league players clash to honour those that served.

Australian and New Zealand representative sides from the NRL SA senior competition will meet in the inaugural Anzac Day Test at Dry Creek this Sunday.

NRL SA general manager Ken Kennedy says the event aims to celebrate the mutual respect between the nations and remember the efforts of service men and women who fought for freedom.

“This event is a great way for our players and rugby league community to come together and pay their ­respects and show their support for our Anzacs,” Mr Kennedy says.

“It is an important date and event for all Australians and New Zealanders.

“We are hopeful that we can make this event a great success and an annual feature on the NRL SA season calendar.”

New Zealand will be coached by Central Districts dual-premiership player Dane Keepa and captained by his Roosters teammate Mikey Richards.

State coach David Robinson will mentor the Australian side, which has named Central’s Adam Levi as skipper.

Eels young gun Lachlan Pilkinton will also pull on the green and gold.

The second rower says he is proud to feature in the game 100 years on from Australia’s involvement in World War I.

“I’m looking forward to it, but a bit nervous because I haven’t played in a side like this before,” Pilkinton, 19, says.

“It’s special being part of something like this to honour Anzac Day.

“New Zealand has got a pretty good team, but we’ll give it our best for ­Australia.”

Vietnam War veteran Ian Le’Raye will recite the Ode at 3.15pm, before the match kicks off at 3.30pm.

Donations for the RSL will be taken at the gate.