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BY the look of his enormous frame, standing at over two metres and weighing about 110kg, he could be playing the game. He should be playing in the front row.
Instead, one of Australia's most decorated living soldiers, Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith, VC, MG, will deliver the Anzac Cup for the annual clash between the Roosters and Dragons at the SFS.
In a coup for the NRL, Cpl Roberts-Smith has been enlisted as a key figure for the traditional match between last year's grand finalists on Anzac Day.
"As sport forms a large part of our culture and Australian way of life, I think it's great for sports of all codes to play commemorative games on Anzac Day as a show of respect to past and present generations of Defence personnel," Cpl Roberts-Smith said.
"I know from experience that Defence personnel serving overseas this Anzac Day will be particularly looking forward to watching their favourite code if they get the chance."
Cpl Roberts-Smith in January received the Victoria Cross for his service in Afghanistan, where he single-handedly charged a Taliban machinegun nest to protect members of his unit pinned down by heavy fire.
And in 2006, he was awarded the Medal for Gallantry for his actions while deployed in Afghanistan.
Only this week, he revealed how he was almost shot dead by an insurgent soon after the action that saw him awarded the VC.
"He missed me obviously," Cpl Roberts-Smith said.
Born and raised in Perth and already declaring his hand as a Sydney Roosters fan, Cpl Roberts-Smith has played rugby league while serving in the regular army and has represented the army in rugby union and Aussie Rules.
As part of a special pre-match Anzac Day ceremony, an Australian army Blackhawk helicopter will deliver Cpl Roberts-Smith and the Anzac Cup to the Sydney Football Stadium.
He will join hundreds of other current and former service personnel for the commemoration service ahead of the match.
Instead, one of Australia's most decorated living soldiers, Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith, VC, MG, will deliver the Anzac Cup for the annual clash between the Roosters and Dragons at the SFS.
In a coup for the NRL, Cpl Roberts-Smith has been enlisted as a key figure for the traditional match between last year's grand finalists on Anzac Day.
"As sport forms a large part of our culture and Australian way of life, I think it's great for sports of all codes to play commemorative games on Anzac Day as a show of respect to past and present generations of Defence personnel," Cpl Roberts-Smith said.
"I know from experience that Defence personnel serving overseas this Anzac Day will be particularly looking forward to watching their favourite code if they get the chance."
Cpl Roberts-Smith in January received the Victoria Cross for his service in Afghanistan, where he single-handedly charged a Taliban machinegun nest to protect members of his unit pinned down by heavy fire.
And in 2006, he was awarded the Medal for Gallantry for his actions while deployed in Afghanistan.
Only this week, he revealed how he was almost shot dead by an insurgent soon after the action that saw him awarded the VC.
"He missed me obviously," Cpl Roberts-Smith said.
Born and raised in Perth and already declaring his hand as a Sydney Roosters fan, Cpl Roberts-Smith has played rugby league while serving in the regular army and has represented the army in rugby union and Aussie Rules.
As part of a special pre-match Anzac Day ceremony, an Australian army Blackhawk helicopter will deliver Cpl Roberts-Smith and the Anzac Cup to the Sydney Football Stadium.
He will join hundreds of other current and former service personnel for the commemoration service ahead of the match.
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