Veteran journalist Robert ‘Crash’ Craddock fears the NRL and AFL have “overcooked” the schedule for Anzac Day with five games to be played across both codes.
On top of the traditional NRL April 25 clash between the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons, the Melbourne Storm will continue their recent run of Anzac Day games, which started in 2016, when they host the Rabbitohs while the New Zealand Warriors will also take on the Gold Coast Titans.
In the AFL the Brisbane Lions will travel to Canberra to play the GWS Giants, adding to the historic Collingwood and Essendon Anzac Day game.
Craddock, the leading sports journalist for The Courier-Mail, believes this year’s schedule was a bit of an “overdose”.
“I just would’ve loved to seen it distilled into one game, a celebration game and one ceremony,” he said on SENQ Breakfast.
“I do think you can overcook it a little bit, that’s my feeling, there’s three rugby league games, it’s incredible.
“For me it’s a little overcooked.
“One thing I do like is Anzac Day seems to be getting bigger by the year as our servicemen from the second World War as they fade into history, I sense a greater sense of appreciation for them.
“Anzac Day in itself is getting bigger but sometimes I just think, when I saw the schedule, I think we probably just overcooked it a little bit.”
Queensland Maroons and Brisbane Broncos legend Corey Parker had a different opinion.
“It’s an interesting take because as a former player, playing on Anzac Day, there’s a great sense of pride, you get to reflect and put everything into perspective," he said.
“The one thing that unites Australians and New Zealanders better than anything is sport and we get that opportunity, I get your point that maybe it’s overdosed a little bit but if we’re able to enjoy and embrace and unite through sport five times on Anzac Day I think that’s not too bad.”