LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The prestigious Spirit of ANZAC Medal, awarded to the standout player in the annual ANZAC Day clash, is a coveted accolade among Melbourne Storm players.
The list of recipients is proudly displayed on a wall at Storm HQ, a reminder of the players who have shown exceptional talent and heart on the battlefield of the rugby league field.
The tradition of awarding the Spirit of ANZAC Medal dates back to 2009, when Adam Blair was the inaugural recipient after a hard-fought draw with the New Zealand Warriors.
Since then, the medal has been won by some of the club's biggest names, including legends like Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater, and Cameron Smith.
As the 2024 ANZAC Day clash approaches, speculation is rife about who will be crowned the next recipient of this prestigious award.
Will it be a seasoned veteran like Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jahrome Hughes, or Ryan Papenhuyzen, who have all proven their worth on the field time and time again? Or perhaps a rising star like Nick Meaney, who dazzled fans with his exceptional performance in last year's victory over the Warriors.
The Spirit of ANZAC Medal is more than just a trophy, it's a symbol of courage, determination, and mateship - qualities that epitomize the spirit of rugby league and the ANZAC tradition.
So as the players prepare to do battle on the hallowed turf of AAMI Park, all eyes will be on who will rise to the occasion and etch their name into Storm history as the next recipient of this prestigious award.