Befitting the spirit of Anzac Day, yesterday’s match between the
Dragons and the Roosters was rugby league at its very best – and it was
played before a near record SFS crowd of over 32,000.

It was also a fitting end to four days of superb rugby league. Maybe,
just maybe, the problems of the recent past can be put behind the game,
and 2005 will be a record season in every way.

I went to the “Bundaberg Rum” Anzac Test at Lang Park, and came away
convinced that international rugby league has a future and that the
Kiwis are worthy competitors for the powerful Kangaroos. A crowd
of over 40,000 braved threatening weather to watch the full-strength
Kangaroos comfortably dispose of a very under-strength Kiwis outfit.

But given the fact that the Kiwis were missing at least six
international “certainties” – including Sonny Bill Williams – they gave
a very credible display, after a very ordinary start.

While the result was never seriously in doubt, the Kiwis certainly
finished strongly, and when they get back close to full strength at the
end of the season they will test the Roos. And that will be good for
rugby league.

Read more about the rugby league’s great weekend here.