The NRL faced backlash online due to two omitted words in an Anzac Day post. With the commencement of an ANZAC-themed round looming on Thursday, they shared a 40-second video onto their X platform.
Yet, the caption accompanying the video, which included a typo and excluded two crucial words, was the subject of controversy from social media spectators. The caption read: “In Round 8 of the Telstra Premiership, the sport will have the chance to pay respect and honour the Australian servicemen and servicewomen who safeguarded our ideals and liberties in wars, conflicts and peace operations. ANZAC Round: recognising resilience & unity.”
The video, uploaded on Tuesday, attracted 41,000 views and around 50 comments, nearly all of which criticised the NRL‘s failure to acknowledge New Zealand. Sky Sports commentator Jason Costigan expressed his disbelief: “It’s astonishing how NRL neglected to reference the New Zealanders. It’s #AnzacDay this week after all! While everyone messes up occasionally, this needs addressing. Don’t forget that New Zealand has been competing in Australia’s premium Rugby League for nearly three decades.”
Comments followed, most of which called attention to the missing ANZAC acknowledge. One user responded: “You should take a moment to remember what ANZAC stands for, particularly as a competition that involves a New Zealand team.” Another comment read: “It’s Anzac Day. Let’s honour the Australians and New Zealanders who made significant sacrifices for our nation.”
This issue continues to elicit a reaction following recent scrutiny of another Anzac Day related matter by Triple M’s Greg “Marto” Martin. Martin accused the NRL and AFL of exploiting The Last Post, a moving bugle call associated with ANZAC day tradition in Australia and New Zealand, as a “gimmick” in one of his segments.
He said the annual MCG spectacle for the Anzac Day clash between Essendon and Collingwood was “spine tingling” but suggested viewers might experience “bugle fatigue” following a full round of games. Co-host Margaux Parker echoed these concerns, suggesting that The Last Post was becoming overused and thus, losing its impact.
Thursday will see three games of rugby league with the New Zealand Warriors launching the day against the Gold Coast Titans in Auckland, followed by St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters in Sydney. The Melbourne Storm and South Sydney Rabbitohs will wrap up the day at AAMI Park in Melbourne.