The ANZAC spirit lives here across Queensland sport

Ahead of ANZAC Day, RSL Queensland worked alongside sporting organisations, clubs, veterans, RSL Sub Branches and communities to embed meaningful commemorations across rugby union, rugby league, AFL, football (soccer), netball, cricket, horse racing and more – ensuring remembrance lives where Queenslanders gather. 

Queensland Maroons star and veteran Julia Robinson, former rugby league star and veteran Meg Ward and cricketer Chris Lynn also showed support for veterans and their families in the lead up to ANZAC Day.

Image credit: Rugby Australia

International spotlight: Wallaroos v Black Ferns on ANZAC Day 

One of the most prominent ANZAC Day fixtures in Queensland saw the Wallaroos host New Zealand’s Black Ferns at Sunshine Coast Stadium. 

On the Friday before game day, Sunshine Coast veterans Trudie Avery, Nichole Hood and Hilary Gatenby joined players from both teams for breakfast to talk about their experiences and the similarities between service and sport. 

Sunshine Coast and Regional District President Grendell ‘Skip’ Antony joined the Wallaroos for their team photo at the Maroochydore War Memorial and District Vice President Dave Eden attended the captain’s run. 

Both teams also sent players to Dawn Services at the Sunshine Coast on game day. 

RSL Queensland then supported the pre‑game Diggers’ Long Lunch delivered by Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government, engaging with fans with rosemary and mirror selfies – symbols encouraging reflection ahead of kick‑off. 

Match‑day commemorations included a Guard of Honour of veterans and their families – with Trudie doing the coin toss – as well as bugler Tessaley Banner and a cadet‑led catafalque party. Although the message was up in lights across the stadium, the ANZAC spirit was well and truly alive in all those who attended.  

Image credit: Burleigh Bears

Rugby league: rivals united by remembrance 

The ANZAC presence was felt strongly across rugby league, with veterans and Sub Branches directly embedded into match‑day moments. 

This was particularly evident across Queensland Rugby League’s (QRL) Hostplus Cup competition with traditional opponents Norths Devils and Redcliffe Dolphins pausing their rivalry to honour the ANZAC spirit, wearing specially designed jerseys. 

Nundah‑Northgate RSL Sub Branch President Phill Hickey, who served almost 30 years, highlights the role sport plays in modern remembrance. 

“I think it’s great to see the inclusion of sport on ANZAC Day,” Phill says. 

“Sport is a huge part of soldiering, sailoring and airmen and airwomen’s lives, so to come together through rugby league on a day like this is a great way to finish ANZAC Day.”  

Sandgate RSL Sub Branch committee member and Australian Army veteran Matthew Mancini echoes the sentiment, describing the emotional resonance of ANZAC ceremonies at sporting fixtures. 

“To see the players run out in ANZAC jerseys brings a real sense of pride,” Matthew says. 

“The Last Post always hits home… from the very first bar, it doesn’t matter who you are – the ground falls silent. It’s an amazing feeling.”  

Across ANZAC weekend, RSL Queensland connected most Cup clubs – from Townsville to Tweed Heads – with their local RSL Sub Branches, facilitating commemorative elements and veteran involvement during ANZAC week. 

Six clubs – the Devils, Dolphins, Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Burleigh Bears, Brisbane Tigers and Souths Logan Magpies – featured the ‘ANZAC spirit lives here’ on their jerseys, amplifying the message through broadcast and social channels. 

Additionally, QRL, under the guidance of former Queensland Maroons star Steve Price, honoured veterans through commemorations at the 47th Battalion Carnival in Toowoomba which involved people from the Toowoomba and South West, Sunshine Coast, Capricornia and Wide Bay regions; all players, and match officials, who took part wore jerseys that included the ‘ANZAC spirit lives here’ design.

Image credit: QLD Rugby League

AFL: carrying the spirit on the national stage 

The Gold Coast SUNS also embraced the commemoration with the launch of their 2026 ANZAC Appeal Round guernsey, incorporating remembrance symbols and ANZAC spirit messaging ahead of their ANZAC Day clash in Tasmania. 

RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM reinforces the collective role Australians play in carrying the ANZAC legacy forward. 

“Each ANZAC Day, we honour not just what was, but what still is: the spirit that shaped us as Australians – the spirit that lives with us, and in us, evermore,” Major General Day reflects. 

“Every person who takes part in ANZAC Day helps to carry the ANZAC spirit forward… every action – big or small – honours those who’ve served and shows us that the ANZAC spirit lives here.” 

Speaking ahead of the SUNS’ ANZAC Day match, Army Officer Sally Carter highlighted the natural connection between sport and service. 

“ANZAC Day is a great opportunity for serving and ex‑serving military members to catch up and reflect, reminisce over old stories and remember mates,” Carter said. 

“If you can do that while watching a sporting match – why not, it’s very Australian.”

Image credit: Burleigh Bears

One message, many moments 

Other sporting clubs and organisations who connected with their local RSL Sub Branches and worked to bring the ANZAC spirit to life included Brisbane Roar, Brisbane Lions, NRL Wheelchair, Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Racing Club.

Through partnerships spanning elite sport, community competitions and regional events, RSL Queensland ensured remembrance was deeply woven into the places where Queenslanders connect – with each other, with sport and with history. 

This ANZAC Day, from stadiums to local fields, the message was clear: the ANZAC spirit lives here.