THE rivalry between New Zealand and Australia is one of the greatest in world sport.

It doesn’t matter what code — rugby league, cricket, netball, rugby union — if the Kiwis and Aussies are competing in it, you can be guaranteed a fierce contest.

We’ve got the upper hand in the rugby league rankings at the moment and I don’t mind reminding people of that.

It’s a heated but friendly rivalry, and off the paddock we can always share a beer with our friends across the Tasman.

Round 19

But Monday is a time to come together and recognise the connection our countries built fighting side by side during the wars.

Shaun Johnson of the Warriors is greeted by fans. Source: News Corp Australia

Anzac Day pays tribute to a bond forged between two nations and two groups of people, and I feel privileged to be able to mark the occasion by doing what I love.

April 25 will mean different things to different people.

I don’t have any family connection that I know of, but a lot of my fellow players have ancestors who fought overseas.

Tune in to our bumper Anzac Day coverage on Fox Sports 1HD for live and ad free in-game coverage from 1.30pm Monday with host Matt Shirvington and special guests Queensland coach Kevin Walters and Sharks hooker Michael Ennis.

During the week leading up to the Anzac Day game we will talk about the significance of the date and what it means to Australia and New Zealand.

Some of the boys will spend time with family and pay tribute to relatives, while others enjoy learning more about our history.

Melbourne football manager Frank Ponissi joins Ben Ikin, Ben Glover and Nathan Ryan to provide an insight into their recruitment strategies, Cooper Cronk’s future and what makes Craig Bellamy tick.

I think the occasion is made all the more special by the fact we play Melbourne on this day each year.

Both clubs have a good mix of Kiwis and Aussies and we always enjoy going up against some of our countrymen.

The rivalry we’ve had with the Storm for many years is something that excites all of us heading into a match like this.

The fact it’s played in Melbourne is exciting too.

AAMI Park always seems to draw a good crowd, particularly on Anzac Day, and it’s nice to see a lot of families get out and bring their kids to the footy after attending morning services.

The game preparation for us is no different to any other week.

Melbourne run through an ANZAC day banner at Etihad Stadium. Source: News Limited

As much as it’s a big game with a big build up, we need to ensure we don’t get carried away and spend all our energy before kick-off.

Outside NRL finals this is one of the biggest days on the rugby league calendar, and it’s easy to lose focus when there’s so much else happening around the game.

So Andrew McFadden will keep our minds on the task, train like we normally would and do our homework on the Storm.

As much as it’s a special occasion for people either side of the Tasman it’s also a game with two competition points on the line for us.

The Warriors and Storm always seem to match up well and I just know it’s going to produce another cracker on Monday.

Playing football in front of a big Melbourne crowd alongside and against good mates and fellow athletes.

That’s how I choose to pay my respects to the people who gave their lives for our great country.

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