Courage and mateship - core values of the Anzac spirit - were in force on the rugby league field with a combined team of sailors and aviators claiming victory over the soldiers 36-10 on Anzac Day in Sydney.
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Rugby League players taking to the field ahead of the longstanding annual National Rugby League (NRL) clash between the St George Dragons and Sydney Roosters has become a growing Anzac Day tradition.
While the curtain raiser usually pits the ADF Rugby League side against a touring New Zealand Defence Force team, this year brought a different flavour to the pitch with the Australian Army Rugby League taking on a combined Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force team.
Combined Navy and Air Force team captain Corporal Tim Crellin said the game was an important occasion for all players and coaching staff.
"Running onto the field on Anzac Day wearing a jersey with the ADF crest is an incredible honour and a living tribute to the Anzac spirit," Corporal Crellin said.
"Regardless of the result for either side, we all represent Defence and our individual services with enormous pride, and I know this will be a moving day for every person involved in these teams."
Reflecting on the importance of sport, ADF Rugby League president Brigadier Rob Calhoun noted the connection between the values embodied through sport and the values of Defence.
"Sports are vital to encourage not only Defence values, but they also develop teamwork, mateship and endurance while strengthening links between our people and our services," Brigadier Calhoun said.
"This year's game showcased the fitness, skill and courage of soldiers, sailors and aviators from across our ADF Rugby League association. To play a game like this in front of a crowd of thousands reinforces the ADF link to community."
'Running onto the field on Anzac Day wearing a jersey with the ADF crest is an incredible honour and a living tribute to the Anzac spirit.'
From straight after kick off, an electric first half began with Army on the attack early, including Lieutenant Ethan Muller scoring an unconverted try in the corner in the second minute, setting the pace for the game.
Sensing an opportunity, the combined Navy and Air Force side responded by moving close to the line, scoring in the seventh minute with a converted try from Leading Aircraftman Daniel Nolan.
A strong first-half performance continued from the sailors and aviators with two further unanswered converted tries allowing the combined side to develop a commanding lead.
However, just before half time, Army clawed back a converted try to ensure the momentum didn't shift while moving into the break.
Heading into the second half with Navy and Air Force leading 18-10, a slow first 10 minutes saw possession change hands several times in a highly contested display of perseverance from both sides.
However, with 15 minutes left in the match, the sailors and aviators took charge, doubling their lead by full time through sustained pressure and a dominant performance, ending the match 36-10.
With the Navy and Air Force firmly clenching victory, the combined team head coach Petty Officer Daniel Harris put the result down to how the team approached the match.
"We spent a lot of time focusing on teamwork and developing a winning culture among the players," Petty Officer Harris said.
"The sailors and aviators should be really proud of how they took to the field knowing if they stuck together as a strong and cohesive team, they'd come away with the win, and it's clear that strategy worked well today."
