Anzac spirit to inspire the Roosters ahead of clash with St George Illawarra
THE Sydney Roosters will be drawing on the experiences of an Australian war hero to inspire them to victory in Wednesday’s Anzac Day clash at Allianz Stadium.
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THE Sydney Roosters will be drawing on the experiences of an Australian war hero to inspire them to victory in Wednesday’s Anzac Day clash against St George Illawarra at Allianz Stadium.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Infantry Soldier Jamie Tanner, who served in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, will share his powerful stories with the Roosters.
For the first time this year, the Roosters will head into camp before the big match, basing themselves in Coogee from Tuesday night.
A crowd of more than 40,000 is ready to pack Allianz Stadium for what is the most uplifting day on the rugby league calendar.
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Roosters management asked Tanner to speak to the team before Wednesday afternoon’s traditional game. Tanner is also an Invictus Games athlete.
His bio reads: “Jamie served with the Australian Army for 11 years as an Infantry Soldier and was deployed to East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. Jamie was medically discharged from the Army in 2011.
“His first deployment was to Afghanistan, where he was seconded to Special Operations Task Group based at Tarin Kowt.
“Jamie’s second deployment to Afghanistan was as a Patrol Commander, leading patrols of up to 50 men. He was based in numerous small patrol bases throughout the Mirabad Valley. These patrol bases varied in size between 30 to 60 soldiers on areas as small as a football field.”
Tanner competed in wheelchair rugby, cycling and swimming at the 2016 Orlando Invictus Games. A year later, he competed in wheelchair basketball, cycling and swimming at the Toronto Games.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson spoke about how much it means to play on such a special day.
“I was talking to the players this morning about how fortunate we are at the Roosters — along with the Dragons — to play this every year,” Robinson said.
“It’s the most special day of the year in Australia and New Zealand, I believe. For us to represent rugby league on Anzac Day is a real honour.
“We have had many past players that have served as well.
“Our job is to play our best footy on Anzac Day.”
Roosters skipper Boyd Cordner says players can’t help but get caught up in the emotion.
“Anzac Day is one of my favourite days,” Cordner said. “As you get older, you definitely appreciate it more and more.
“It is a very emotional day for everyone. For us players, when we get out there, with the atmosphere, the Last Post, the ceremony, it grabs you. We spoke today how important this game is.
“Some of the stories are truly unbelievable and heroic.”
Australia and New Zealand Defence Forces will play in the curtain-raiser game.