For Victor Radley, the annual April 25 fixture is not just a highlight of the NRL calendar—it’s a deeply personal and emotional event that connects football with legacy, remembrance, and national identity. Despite having pledged his international allegiance to England, the country of his father, Radley’s Australian pride and connection to Anzac traditions remain unshakable.
An Unmatched Occasion
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Radley didn’t hesitate to label the Anzac Day match as the pinnacle of the regular season.
“One hundred per cent, it’s the best game in the calendar for sure – the 27-round calendar,” Radley said. “In the back of your mind, you always want to make sure you’re fit for this one. I missed it last year with a hammy, so touch wood I can get through this week all good.”
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His enthusiasm goes far beyond the electric atmosphere and packed stadium. For Radley, Anzac Day is an annual opportunity to reflect on history and pay tribute to the servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much.
“There’s a lot of emotion during the week,” he said. “Hearing different stories from different people, learning about the Anzacs, that’s why it’s so special, because the whole week, it’s not just the game. Then obviously the Last Post; the silence in the crowd gets that emotion up right before kick-off.”
Radley believes the best way to honour that legacy is by the way he and his teammates take to the field.
“We get a chance to show our respect by playing a tough brand of footy. And I feel like both sides always do that regardless of where they’re going during that year. On Anzac Day, everyone plays a tough brand of footy.”
A Deeper Gratitude
Now 27, Radley has played in five previous Anzac Day clashes and says those experiences have given him something many players rarely gain during the regular season—perspective.
“I’m just grateful to live in this country as well,” he said. “I grew up in Bronte Beach. I’ve had a great life. And it’s because of the people that’s gone before us. So I’m extremely grateful.”
His remarks are a reminder that beneath the reputation of being one of the Roosters’ most physical and aggressive players lies someone deeply appreciative of history and community.
International Aspirations and Identity
Despite being born and raised in Australia, Radley made headlines in 2022 when he declared his availability for England, a decision he describes as one of the best of his career.
“That’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Radley said. “Some of those tours have been the greatest months of my life. I’m just extremely grateful that I get the chance to play for England.”
He has since played nine Tests for England and hopes to represent the side again later this year in a three-match series against the Kangaroos. However, the decision to play for England effectively ended his dreams of donning the New South Wales jersey in State of Origin.
Now, amid discussions by International Rugby League to review eligibility rules for tier-one nations and Origin selection, a door—however slightly—is creaking open once more.
“I probably wouldn’t get picked for Origin anyway, even if they change it,” Radley admitted with a wry smile. “So it hasn’t really crossed my mind too much. I’m just worried about playing for the Roosters and then, touch wood, I get the chance to play for England again at the end of the year.”
Radley added that while the conversation around eligibility rules has been ongoing, it has yet to lead to real change.
“If you ask my mum, she’ll say it’s just not fair. But, hey, that’s the rules as they are, and I made that decision, because of that gut feeling I had. If they change it, we’ll see what happens from there. But the conversation’s been going on for years and nothing’s happened.”
Learning to Channel Emotion
Radley is known for his hard-nosed, aggressive playing style—a double-edged sword that has led to numerous disciplinary issues. Last year’s Anzac Day clash saw him sent to the sin bin, a moment that added a blemish to what was otherwise an emotional and tightly contested match.
“I think in years past, I might have done it in big games, finals games, and it kind of cost me,” he said. “So I feel like I’ve learnt some lessons, and you get that with age. I learnt the hard way. So I’m not too worried about that now.”
His comments reflect a growing maturity and a conscious effort to stay composed in high-stakes situations—something critical on a day as emotionally charged as Anzac Day.
A Shared Sentiment in the Club
Roosters head coach Trent Robinson echoed Radley’s sentiments, describing the Anzac Day clash as the most significant fixture of the year outside the grand final.
“Outside of the grand final, I feel like this is the best day,” Robinson said. “There’s nothing bigger than the Anzac Day game as far as what it means to the two teams, but what it means to Australia and New Zealand.”
While Robinson acknowledged the success of other marquee games, such as last week’s Good Friday fixture between South Sydney and Canterbury—which attracted a record crowd of over 65,000—he emphasized the Anzac Day game’s unique emotional gravity.
Honouring the Past, Competing in the Present
As the Roosters prepare to face the Dragons, Radley’s focus is not just on performance, but on honour. For him, every tackle and every run is a tribute to the sacrifices that Anzac Day commemorates.
“It’s not about us. It’s not about the Dragons. It’s not about a rivalry. The day is bigger than us,” Radley said. “We get to play a game to show our respect to the Anzacs. That’s an honour.”
Whether or not Radley ever plays Origin, whether or not he suits up for England again, one thing is certain: on April 25, Victor Radley will take the field not just as a rugby league player, but as a proud Australian, doing his part to carry on a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and unity.
