LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Zae Wallace Shield: A Tribute to a Fallen Titan
As Anzac Day looms large on the horizon, the NZ Warriors and Gold Coast players are gearing up for a special battle for the Zae Wallace Shield on Thursday, keeping the memory of a fallen former Titan alive in the rugby league community.
This will mark the eighth time that the shield has been up for grabs, a tradition that ensures Zae Wallace's legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those he touched.
A rising star in high school rugby league in New Zealand, Wallace was a force to be reckoned with, earning the Auckland College Rugby League player of the year award in 2016 before making his mark with the Gold Coast NYC squad.
After a stint in Australia, Wallace returned to his roots to play for his junior club in Northcote.
Tragically, in 2019, he succumbed to a serious illness at the tender age of 20, leaving behind a void in the rugby league community.
A beloved teammate and friend, Wallace's impact was felt by many, including NZ Warriors fullback Taine Tuaupiki.
As the Warriors and Gold Coast players take the field on Thursday, they will not just be playing for a shield, but for the memories of a young talent gone too soon.
In a display of sportsmanship and camaraderie, they will honor Wallace's spirit and legacy, ensuring that his presence is felt on the rugby league field for years to come.