The Anzac Day clash between Wanderers and fierce rival Merewether is like no other in Hunter Rugby. The day is treated with the respect and pageantry it deserves. Both clubs wear specially-designed Anzac jerseys. Merewether are this year honouring 1947 premiership winning halfback Jack Jones, who served in the Australian Imperial Force from 1942-46 in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Borneo.
A ceremony is held, wreaths are laid and the Last Post is played before kickoff. 'This will be my fourth Anzac Day match,' Wanderers captain Charles Fielder said. 'They are all different. They are all special. The spine tingles when you walk out behind the bagpipers. That is when you know it is real. The occasion hits you.'
More than 2000 people are expected at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday for the next chapter. That attendance has been doubled in previous years when the fixture has been a standalone game. The clubs battle for the Adams-Halter Anzac Shield across the grades. Merewether are holders of the shield, which pays homage to Merewether's Neil 'Noodles' Adams and Wanderers' John 'Fats' Halter.
'It's more than just a game of footy,' Merewether captain Rhys Bray said. 'There is a lot of pride and history around the day. Hearing the last post and the national anthem adds to the emotion in the game. It is one of the biggest local sporting events in Newcastle.'
Merewether were 31-15 victors last season and will start strong favourites after opening this campaign with wins over premiers Maitland (38-19) and University (38-17). Wanderers thrashed Southern Beaches 50-7 in the season opener before giving a 12-5 half-time lead to go down 27-12 to Maitland.
