Big Anzac clash sure to stir up emotions
“It’s important we keep that tradition alive and keep sharing those stories, in one way or another.”
Norton said the match gave the rugby community a rare chance to acknowledge those in the armed services.
“It’s funny because quite a few of the navy boys do play in the local competition and you don’t always know it,” he said.
“(Brothers’) Peter Taylor is a navy boy and is actually in our Cairns Thunder squad but he’ll be playing against us.”
The match will be the Thunder’s last warm up before playing in the North Queensland Championships against Townsville, Mt Isa and Mackay next month.
With a host of fresh new faces coming into the representative squad, Norton said the game was an important hit-out.
“We’re a much younger side this year and that’s always exciting,” he said.
“But I hope they bring it to us. It’s hard to know which way the game will go but we want a tough game before the championships.
“(Barron Trinity Bulls’) Cameron Thomson will captain the side and I’ve got a lot of time for him as a leader. Bevan Reynolds and Brandon Maskell from Mudcrabs have shown some promise. I haven’t seen them play at the next level though, so it will be interesting to see them step up.”
Gates open at 6pm with the match kicking off an hour later.
“I really feel like this game deserves a good crowd,” Norton said. “These are the best rugby players in Cairns. I hope we get a great turnout.”