THE sound of the last post playing against a backdrop of respectful silence is truly haunting.
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As a player, it was one of the best experiences of my career to have been part of an Anzac Day game.
On Monday, it’s also a platform for St George Illawarra to still make some noise in the NRL this season.
The Dragons-Roosters battle is anything but another game, given the occasion and what the day means to the players and nation.
With both teams out of the eight, it’s a chance for the Dragons in particular to stake their claim.
While the Roosters are 1-6, the Dragons are 3-4 after the win over the Titans and face a run of games against the Warriors, Canberra, South Sydney and the Cowboys before having a bye.
It’s an important five-week stretch and winning three or even four of these games could setup their season.
The Roosters aren’t far away from the mark now after a tough start to the season.
They were the better team in patches against Penrith, but just made crucial errors at the wrong times. We’ve all seen St George Illawarra battle to put points on this year, but a big defensive effort goes a long way to winning games on Anzac Day. There are so many memorable moments, the best for the Dragons during my time was Ben Creagh’s late try sealing a 28-24 win in 2012. It’s that type of never give up attitude that can not only secure a win on Anzac Day, but lift your entire season.
TOUCHY SUBJECT
All we ask for is consistency. Sam McKendry is banned for a week for touching referee Jared Maxwell, after James Klemmer successfully argued his case at the NRL judiciary earlier in the year.
Parramatta’s Kieran Foran and Brisbane’s James Roberts accepted the early guilty plea, which brings the issue of carryover points into later on. If there’s going to be a ban, or a fine system, set clear guildelines around it and be done with it.
"That'd be more sensible," Penrith coach Anthony Griffin said of a fine system.
"I don't think anyone watching the game would have sat up in their lounge chair and thought that Sam McKendry had acted contrary to the conduct of the game, which is what he was charged with.”
The referee needs a level protection in the heat of the moment, but the inconsistency of penalties only undermines the situation.
