As the Sydney Roosters prepare to host the St George Illawarra Dragons in the annual ANZAC Cup clash, captain James Tedesco and vice-captain Luke Keary say they are humbled to continue the 22-year tradition.
Playing on ANZAC Day at Allianz Stadium for the first time since 2018, the Roosters will once again wear the historic Wartime Jersey, a representation of wartime hardships and on-field success that coincided with the end of World War II.
“It’s really special [to play on ANZAC Day], especially as captain now, I remember my first time here in 2018,” Tedesco said.
“I remember just walking out and the atmosphere was electric. It’s gotten better and better and now the new stadium is going to be packed out [on Tuesday] and I can’t wait.
Tedesco: 'It's a Really Special Day'
“This game, it doesn’t matter how each team has started [the season], this game has brought out the best in the Dragons and they’ve come out to play every year.
“It’s going to be a good test for us.”
With International back-rower Angus Crichton making his return to the NRL for the traditional game, Tedesco says it’s good to have such a strong player back, especially because he has experience playing in high-pressure matches.
“[His inclusion] is massive, for him to be back in the team, back playing footy,” he explained.
“He got out 80 minutes on the weekend, which is a huge effort, it shows his match fitness is still there.
It’s a real credit to him and he’s just excited to be around the boys and be back in the team.
Sydney Roosters Captain James Tedesco On the return of Angus Crichton
“I know it hurt him watching from home.”
Keary echoed Tedesco’s sentiment, highlighting the appreciation the team has for 27-year-old.
“It's just good to see him back around, we all love Gussy,” he said.
“We obviously know what he’s been through the last couple of months and it’s great to see him back in the team with a smile on his face.
Keary: 'It's a Privilege to be a Part Of This Day'
“He punched out 80 minutes last week and I’m looking forward to having him next to me.”
Slotting into the role of halfback for his fifth ANZAC Cup match, the vice-captain understands the significance of getting to play on Australia’s most important national day.
“It’s a very special day and we feel privileged to play a small part,” Keary said.
We just feel very privileged that we get to play on ANZAC Day.
Sydney Roosters Vice-Captain Luke Keary On the ANZAC Tradition
“We know what the day is about, it’s about the ANZACs and we get to pay a little bit of respect out there on Tuesday.”
Coach Trent Robinson has ensured the squad know the history behind the iconic Wartime Jersey and what it means to don the Bondi Blue.
“Robbo has given us the story a few times [about] when we were rationing and couldn’t get the dye needed to make the jersey.
“They didn’t have the dye at the time [in 1944] so they went with the light blue jersey instead.
“It serves as a bit of a reminder about what people actually went through in this country at the time and how lucky we are to have the country we do now.”
