Hudson Young, Tom Starling and Corey Horsburgh proudly launch the Canberra Raiders’ Anzac Round jersey this week at the Australian War Memorial. Photo: Canberra Raiders.
Planning to catch the Raiders’ game this weekend? Keep an eye on the Green Machine’s new kit – there’s an important story behind the design.
This year’s Anzac Round marks 80 years since the end of World War II.
To recognise the anniversary, Raiders’ players are honouring Aussie soldiers who fought and died during the Kokoda Campaign in 1942.
Their commemorative jersey is designed in the spirit of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice.
Dr David Sutton, senior historian at the Australian War Memorial, outlined the story behind the jersey.
“The first thing most people will notice is a photo from our national collection, which shows an Australian soldier looking across the jungle towards Ioribaiwa Ridge,” he said.
“It depicts the southern part of the trail close to Port Moresby, near the furthest extent of the Japanese advance. Not far from here, the Japanese began to withdraw and the Australians began to push them back towards Kokoda.”
The rest of the story is told by a map of the Kokoda Trail, also held by the Australian War Memorial.
There were no known accurate maps of the trail before the Kokoda Campaign and surveying was notoriously difficult due to dense jungle, harsh terrain and cloud cover.
“Including images like these in the jersey design is a great way to connect teams and their fans with our military history,” Dr Sutton said.
“Sport has long held a place in the military. Footy was played often on the Western Front to boost morale and strengthen soldiers’ bonds.”
The Canberra Raiders officially launched the jersey earlier this week at the Australian War Memorial. During the launch, lock/prop Corey Horsburgh said he was excited for the game.
“I love playing in Canberra in general, so to play at GIO at such a special event and special occasion, I’m very excited.”
Second-rower Hudson Young thought the team’s new kit looked awesome and was keen to represent its story on the field.
Hooker Tom Starling finished off with a note on the Australian War Memorial.
“Very special to be here at the War Memorial, such a sacred place here in Australia, and just up the road from where we train,” he said.
“It’s got such an aura about it, so yeah, it’s very special to be here representing Anzacs [and] the Canberra Raiders.”
After getting their face painted, game day visitors at the clash with the Dolphins can check out a special Australian War Memorial activation for an Anzac display, experience a uniform try-on, and more.
Canberra Raiders Anzac Round jerseys (1 to 18) will be signed by the players and auctioned off via Allbids after the game, along with one signed by head coach Ricky Stuart and another featuring signatures from the whole team.
All proceeds will be dedicated to the Australian War Memorial’s Anzac Foundation, along with funds raised by the 50/50 raffle on match day.
Sunday’s match marks the first clash between the Raiders and Dolphins in Canberra.
Canberra Raiders face the Redcliffe Dolphins for Anzac Round 8 at GIO Stadium. Gates open at 12:30 pm on Sunday, 27 April for a 2 pm kick-off. Tickets available on Ticketek.
For more information on the story behind the commemorative jersey, visit Australian War Memorial: Mapping Kokoda.
