Canberra Raiders players Hudson Young and Tom Starling spent time at the National Arboretum last week overlooking the Forest of Remembrance, to help launch the Raiders 2024 ANZAC Round jersey.
The Forest of Remembrance commemorates 102,814 service personnel who have sacrificed their lives while serving with Australian units in conflicts from 1860 until 12 November 2010.
The forest consists of 102 Turkish pines grown from seeds gifted by the Turkish Government. The tree is native to the Gallipoli Peninsula where nearly 9,000 Australians and 3,000 New Zealand service men died in 1915.
The 2024 Canberra Raiders ANZAC Round jersey pays homage to the important role the Australian Defence Force plays, including within Canberra and surrounding regions, to safeguard the nation and protect our way of life for future generations.
The camouflage design used in this year's Raiders ANZAC Round jersey is inspired by the Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform worn by Australian Defence Force personnel wherever they are deployed - the darker blue represents the Royal Australian Navy, the khaki (this design) represents the Australian Army, and the light blue represents the Royal Australian Air Force.
The jersey also features the three Service colours on the sleeve, dark blue for the Navy, red for the Army and light blue for the Air Force, to pay tribute to those who have and continue to serve.
Tom Starling and Hudson Young took part in this year’s ANZAC Round Jersey launch and reflected on what playing in ANZAC Round means to the playing group.
For Starling, the round holds special significance for his family, who use ANZAC Day as a time to reflect and remember.
“My Great Great Grandad actually fought in Thailand in World War II so we have a connection there,” Starling said. “We actually got to go over and visit his grave and we took a photograph which we took back to our Nan which was a special moment.”
Starling said the ANZAC Round tradition is something that has always been special for him and his family.
“Some of my greatest memories as a kid were going to the ANZAC Day game between the Roosters and Dragons,” he said. “My Dad and all his mates would take us every year and I remember kicking the footy around in the park before the game and the Blackhawk Helicopter coming down every game. I can’t wait to be a part of it at home in Canberra this year.”
Starling said the opportunity to play in an ANZAC Round fixture at home was something he was looking forward to and said the match holds special significance.
“Being able to play in an ANZAC Round game and run out there with an ANZAC Round jersey is a pretty special moment for the club and every player who gets to be a part of it,” Starling said. “It’s such a special day in Australia and a significant part of the country.”
“I think the really cool moment as a player is during the minute silence where you can stop and think about the sacrifices the ANZAC’s gave for us to live in this beautiful country and what they gave up. It can’t be replicated what they’ve done and its special moment during that time and then to hear the last post, it gives you goosebumps.”
Hudson Young said ANZAC Round was one match he always looked forward to and he also looks forward to the fixture each year.
“It’s a special weekend. It’s a time to remember everything that has come before us and we go out and represent the club during this weekend it’s one of my favourite rounds,” Young said. “Most people in Australia and New Zealand look forward to ANZAC Day and it’s no different for us. Our club puts a lot of emphasis on it, and we really look forward to it.”
Young said from the moment you leave the changeroom the feeling at the ground is something special and the match itself was a wonderful way for the NRL and its players to show their mark of respect to those who have and continue to serve the country.
“It’s a crazy feeling walking out onto the ground, and it really gives you goosebumps. Listening to the Last Post and the anthems is special,” he said. “Then having the opportunity to go and play with your brothers who you train hard with is a special moment.
“Hopefully as players we can give something back and give people the opportunity to use this round as a chance to highlight all the wonderful things our service men and women do for us.”
The Raiders host the Sharks in ANZAC Round on Sunday April 28 at GIO Stadium Canberra.
The Raiders ANZAC Round jersey is available for purchase now through www.raidersshop.com.au
