In true Sunshine State spirit, Queenslanders will come together at Dolphin Oval on Saturday, February 25, to honour the fallen Queensland Police officers Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold and raise donations for the McCrow and Arnold Remembrance Fund.
Hosted by 9News Queensland’s weekend sports presenter Michael Atkinson and broadcast locally from 1.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now, and nationally on 9Gem, the Queensland Police Rugby League Memorial Day will allow the late officers’ families and friends, the Queensland Police Service and the community at large to unite in paying their respects to Constables McCrow and Arnold and all the officers involved in the Wieambilla tragedy on December 12, 2022.
State of Origin legends Wally Lewis, Billy Slater and Darren Lockyer will be in attendance to watch the stadium hosting three special matches involving members of the Queensland Police Service and those closest to Rachel and Matthew. Each team will be supported by a star-studded lineup of current and former NRL players.
NRLW players Chelsea Baker, Steph Hancock, Meg Ward and Samantha Bliss will lace up their boots to join the Queensland Police Women’s Dream Team and Queensland Police Women’s All Stars to kick off the afternoon. Then it’s the clash of the Arthur Beetson Foundation Immortals and the QPS Legends.
Rounding out the matches, the QPS Dream Team will play the QPS All Stars, which will see the fallen constables’ nearest and dearest taking the field to honour them. They will be joined by other former NRL stars including Matty Bowen, Petero Civoniceva, Dane Carlaw and Tyrone Roberts.
The action will be called by Peter Psaltis and Ruan Sims of Nine’s Wide World of Sports and Adam Jackson from 9News Queensland. There will be a number of heartfelt tributes: from the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums to a commemorative poem written and delivered by internationally renowned poet Rupert McCall, as well as respectful moments of silence.
9News Queensland will also be represented by new sports presenter Jonathan Uptin, who will be on the ground and joined by leading newsreader duo Andrew Lofthouse and Melissa Downes to spotlight the main moments of the day and boost fundraising results.
After the footy there will be a three-hour concert headlined by Queensland favourites Busby Marou, with support acts including country singer-songwriter Brad Butcher and country duo Brad Cox and Sammy White.
Secure your front-row seat to the Queensland Police Rugby League Memorial Day or make a donation to the McCrow and Arnold Remembrance Fund via the QR Code.
Media Release – Nine