Tomorrow's Anzac Day match is more than a mere game of rugby league for PJ Thornton and Mitch Simington.
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These two proud men will be leading the charge for the Milton Ulladulla Bulldogs against the Gerringong Lions in this highly anticipated Group Seven Rugby League match on Sunday April 28.
As they wait in the dressing sheds in Mollymook's Bill Andriske Oval for the call to take to field both Thornton and Simington will no doubt look at the front of their jerseys.
The Bulldogs' Anzac jersey for 2024 was designed by the two players.
The image on the front of the jersey pays homage to Sapper Rowan Robinson who was tragically killed in action.
SPR Robinson was one of Thornton's best mates.
The hard running front rower said he never thought he would play in such a game that would honour a close mate like Rowan.
"It just makes me feel proud - to be honest," Thornton, who is an ex-servicemen, said about the jersey and getting to play in such a match.
"In the wake of Anzac Day this match is a special one for me."
Thornton said he appreciated the way everyone at Milton Ulladulla Rugby League Club went out of their way to make him team-mate Simington feel special at this time of the year.
Simington, who is a current servicemen stationed at RAAF Base Richmond, agreed with what Thornton said in regards to the way the club had made sure the Anzac Day match was treated with respect.
"I can't wait. This is a massive game and it's an honour to play in this match and be part of this round," he said.
Simington, who plays out in the backs, said he and Thornton will most likely lead the team out onto the field on Sunday.
There will be an Anzac service shortly prior to the first grade kick off at 3pm with readings from President Milton Ulladulla RSL Sub Branch Sean Phillips Bulldogs' President Jeff Conley and the National Anthem being sung by Jacii Leigh.
Kick off times
First Grade 3.15pm
Reserve grade 1.30pm
U18s 12pm
LLT1 11am
LLT 2 10am
Gates open at 9am. $10 Entry.
Meanwhile, both Simington and Thornton know the Bulldogs will have to play well against the Lions.
They both mentioned that the Lions play a quick and consistently good brand of football - something the Bulldogs need to match.
Simington said it was fair to call the always competitive Lions the Melbourne Storm of Group Seven.
Last week the Bulldogs suffered a 36-18 loss to Warilla Lake South Gorillas, while the Lions smashed the Stingrays of Shellharbour 42-8.
Thornton said Bulldogs were good in patches last week, while Simington said the team had high expectations this season.
"Last season we thought we might sneak into the semi-finals, but this season we expect to reach the finals," Simington.
"I would say we have not been good this season but we have not been terrible either."
Simington on Sunday will slot into right centre and Thornton expects to be named on the interchange bench.
"Coming off the bench and making an impact suits my game," Thornton said.
On Anzac Day Thursday April 25, Thornton went to the Dawn Service at Ulladulla and then to the Milton march and memorial service.
Simington's Anzac Day featured playing for the Australian Defence Force's combined team against the New Zealand Defence Force team at Allianz Stadium.
The Aussies won the match 22-18 and Simington, at fullback, set up a few tries.
