History will be made at Cbus Super Stadium tomorrow when a women's match between the Navy Tridents and Army Lightning takes place as the curtain-raiser to the NRL match.
In the past it has always been the men's fixture taking place but for the first time the women will have their chance to represent their armed forces in front of a big crowd. The match coincides with the NRL's ANZAC Round with members and fans encouraged to get to the stadium early to cheer the women on, ahead of an ANZAC service prior to NRL kick-off.
Tridents Coach Neil Stanley has represented the Navy men's side but has moved into coaching, believing that this first encounter could be the start of something special.
"Absolutely," Stanley said. "For our girls this is the pinnacle and we've been working on it for 18 months.
"Based on the Army system, we've gone down the same path that all started with a development camp. We pulled in girls from all around the country and it's always good to get the girls together."
Whilst the women have come together to take part in the match, they do of course, have a day job they've left behind.
"We've got a mix of girls in the side who are engineers, work in communications, electronic technicians and all other support services, so we've got a talented bunch."
Stanley is looking forward to kick-off tomorrow in what will be his first official match in charge.
"I'll have a massive sense of pride and that sense of achievement you get as a coach. They are always big games against the Army, it'll be fantastic to see the girls wear the jersey for the first time.
"Having played as part of the men's side v army, was one of the best opportunities I ever had so I think the girls will get the same buzz tomorrow."
A run-down of events for tomorrow at Cbus Super Stadium is as follows:
3:15pm: Gates Open
3:20pm: Navy Tridents v Army Lightning
5:20pm: ANZAC Service
5:30pm: NRL kick-off; Titans v Sharks
