In a show of honour for those who fought for our freedom, the Mittagong Lions will be donning a special Anzac guernsey this weekend.
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The Lions will face off with Cambelltown City Kangaroos this Sunday at Mittagong Sportsground. Lion's secretary and reserve grade coach, Billy Hayward came up with the idea of the guernsey but had some inspiration.
"After watching the NRL the past couple of years I saw they were doing it and looking back on the people before us who gave so much to this country, I thought let's do the same thing," Hayward said.
"The jersey was made by Classic Sportswear. They'd never made a jersey with this sort of design, so they were very happy to jump on board. We spoke to Mittagong RSL and the sub-branch to play a part but we wanted to keep it nice and clean with no sponsors all over it and show a bit of respect.
"Organisation for this day began last year in September. The Juniors and the seniors will both be wearing it. We have such great relationship with our other grades. We are one big club."
Ironically, the idea originally came to fruition over drinks at the Lion Rampant Hotel.
"The colours and what should be on the jersey were finalised there," Hayward said.
"Adam Castle gave it traction and we ran it by the committees and got the okay. We'll be auctioning off some jerseys and the money will go back into both systems of the club and $5 of every jersey sold will go towards the Mittagong RSL to help the diggers and widows."
Everyone in attendance on Sunday will witness a showing of respect to the Anzacs.
"We're going to be holding a ceremony down here before kick-off," Hayward said. "There will be a flag ceremony with the Last Post. A number of cadets will be coming down to play the bugle and play the national anthem.
"We're getting a flag pole erected and it will be here from now on. The teams will then line up and sing the national anthem. The back of the jerseys have two simple words, 'Mateship' and 'Sacrifice' I think that plays a big part in rugby league."
Mittagong Lions president, David Elliott has been urging the players to get out and learn the history of our great country.
"I've talked to the boys about going to the dawn services, and I've been going with a few of them," Elliott said. "We've had about 10 regulars the past couple of years and it's really amazing and inspiring to spend time at the dawn service.
"Some of the boys that fought for our country were the same age as these players and a lot didn't come back. It's about getting the players to understand Australia's history, to think about it and reflect on it."
Times for Sunday's games.
- League Tag Oakdale v City at 11:00am
- Ladies League Tag 12:00pm
- Reserve Grade- 1:00pm
- First Grade- 2:30pm.