Stray Cats to play US Marines in the annual 9/11 memorial game
A Northern Territory rugby club will take on the US Marines in a special rugby clash to mark the anniversary of 9/11, and the shared friendships between two countries.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Northern Territory rugby club will rekindle their relationship with the US Marines in an annual match that celebrates comradeship and marks the terrible loss of life in 9/11.
The match dates back to that fateful day in 2001 when a terrorist attack took place on American soil with two planes crashing into New York’s World Trade Centre.
Earlier that day, the Stray Cats, a Darwin-based club, played a game of rugby against a Marine Expeditionary Unit, before they rushed home in response to the attack.
Now, the Stray Cats will play a game to mark the date and relationship with the annual Darwin rotation of Marines, marking the strong alliance between Australia and the United States.
Stray Cats president Allan Hunt said the day was about making new friendships through the love of rugby.
“This day for me is about rekindling our relationship with the American marines and celebrating our approach to terrorism in a game of rugby,” he said.
“The feeling in the lead-up speeches and the emotion are always clear in these games.
“Everyone has a memory of what they were doing on that day and how the world has changed today because of it, and you can just see it in the lead-up to this game.
“It’s a pretty special game, and it’s a game that will no doubt go on for a long as I’m on the planet and beyond.”
The match itself is played in good fun under social rules rather than as a competitive fixture, but it’s one both sides give their all in when on the field.
“The only trick to this little situation is they bring a new rotation every year, and we stay the same so there’s a bit of age collecting on us now,” Hunt said.
“But that’s okay, we will challenge them with our trickery and they’ll normally beat us with their strength and speed, but we own the ref.
“Rugby is like no other sport in the world, the competition on the paddock is up there with some of the toughest games you’ll ever see.
“But off the field it’s camaraderie all the way, wherever you go in the world you meet a rugby (player) – no matter their nationality, they’re going to be your mate.”
Captain Pierre Sajous said it was a real honour for the Marines to be welcomed in such a special way.
“It’s an honour to be welcomed to Australia with such open arms and be welcomed into the culture through the love of the game of rugby,” he said.
“And for Australians to help us honour such a tragedy that occurred on American soil, year after year, that’s absolutely phenomenal.
“For the Marines who come from the States, and may not have even played the game, it’s great to be brought into the fold and commemorate the day side-by-side, shoulder to shoulder.
“It’s that aspect of brotherhood the game brings out where on the field we’re going at each other, but after we congratulate and love each other, and that’s the beauty of the relationship.”
This year’s match will take place on September 14 at Rugby Park.
More Coverage
Originally published as Stray Cats to play US Marines in the annual 9/11 memorial game
Popular publican trapped in circus-themed bar licencing fight
A Territory hospitality heavyweight is challenging a Liquor Commission decision to cancel the licence of a circus-themed Alice Springs bar.
‘Lifeline’ program extended for Top End island
A multi-year partnership has been signed to keep an in-demand program running for a tiny island, following a 200 per cent increase in support. See the details.