SPECIAL EVENT
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
ORGANISERS have tipped a capacity crowd to pack Robertson Oval for the inaugural Anzac Day dual-code commemorative blockbuster in April.
Members of Wagga Tigers and Group Nine club Kangaroos came together with Wagga's Anzac Centenary Committee yesterday to launch the commemorative games to be played Anzac Day.
The gates at Robertson Oval will be thrown open on the day with a gold coin donation to the Wagga RSL sub-branch to replace normal gate prices.
Wagga Tigers will take on Collingullie-Ashmont-Kapooka in the opening game of the day at 1.30pm before Kangaroos will take on Brothers in the Group Nine fixture at 4pm.
Wagga Tigers official Scott Oehm expects a bumper crowd.
"The fact that it's a dual-code day makes it a little bit special and unprecedented," Oehm said.
"I think it's a first I can't remember one being done anywhere before.
"Tigers and Kangaroos are showing how you can contribute to the wider community, particularly with the gold coin donation with all proceeds going to the Wagga RSL sub-branch.
"I think we will get a capacity crowd. It is certainly affordable and family orientated."
As part of the unique event, Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants and Country Rugby League (CRL) will set up their interactive stations on the day.
Auskick and junior rugby league will be played at half-time in the respective senior games.
They will also share the ground for a brief period while Robertson Oval converts from Australian football to rugby league.
Oehm said there will be also be Anzac Day formalities carried out between games where patrons will get their chance to pay respect to those who served the country.
The games will pay tribute in particular to those known as the Wagga Kangaroo Recruits of World War I, as well as all those who served.
The plan is to make the fixture an annual one and to be the start of a legacy. The inaugural day will lead into an important five-year period of commemorations for the Anzac centenary.
Wagga Tigers captain-coach Tom Power said he and the playing group could not wait to take part in the special occasion.
"It's good to involved, especially with both codes," Power said.
"The ground's not there just for us so it's good to be able to utilise it with others on such a big occasion."