This week, Mary Kaye looks back at Round 8 against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium and the Representative Round ahead. You can catch up on all of Mary Kaye's blogs at Ladies who League here
On the weekend, particularly Saturday I was extremely proud to be an NRL supporter and even prouder to be an Australian. What an absolutely incredible day of celebration we had for ANZAC Day to commemorate 100 years since the Anzac landings at Gallipoli.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the NRL and the Clubs who worked so hard to honour this very special occasion. It was very special to see our game participate so respectfully and with such integrity over the ANZAC Day long weekend. On Saturday there was a record number of NRL games televised - 5 games in total, each with a special ceremony prior to kick-off.
This didn't just happen overnight.
The NRL worked with the Australian Government, ADF, NZDF and RSL to develop a consistent commemorative service that will be featured at all ANZAC Round games in Australia. I'm not sure about all of you - but I got goosebumps every time I watched.
I watched with awe as our Parramatta Eels ran onto Suncorp Stadium next to their Brisbane Bronco brothers and the younger members of the NRL family, formed a guard of honour for representatives from the Army, Navy and Air Force to walk through before the official commemorative service which included the Ode, the Last Post, a Moment's Silence, a Rouse and the national anthems of both Australia and New Zealand.
It is rare to see a Moment's Silence observed with such respect. On the weekend, I was truly proud to be part of the NRL family.
Despite the Eels loss on the weekend, which was extremely disappointing, last weekend was about something much more than football and was truly an occasion to be celebrated. Well done to everyone at the Eels who was involved.
Now onto this coming weekend.
It is with great pride that I now take this opportunity to congratulate the many Parramatta Eels who, over the weekend, were selected for representative honours. The number of players selected truly showcases the talent in our squad, particularly the talent which is coming through the ranks. Big congratulations to the following players:
· Holden Cup prop Alex Twal, second-rower and centre Tyrell Fuimaono, and second-rower Tepai Moeroa who have all been selected to represented the Junior Kangaroos to take on the Junior Kiwis this weekend on the Gold Coast;
· Nathan Peats and Joseph Paulo who have both been named in the Kari City Origin squad set to play in Wagga Wagga on May 3;
· Fabian Goodall who has been selected for the Fiji Bati squad to play Papua New Guinea this week on the Gold Coast;
· our under 20's superstar, Zach Dockar-Clay who has been selected to represent the Junior Kiwis this week as they play the Junior Kangaroos at CBus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast; and
· four of our squad, Richie Fa'aoso, Peni Terepo, Manu Ma'u and John Folau who have been named as part of the Mate Ma'a Tonga squad as they prepare to play Toa Samoa on Saturday night.
Congratulations to all the Eels who have been honoured with representative duties. I look forward to cheering you on this weekend.
