Melbourne Storm is proud to unveil its commemorative 2026 ANZAC Round jersey, to be worn in the Club’s upcoming ANZAC Day clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at AAMI Park.
Officially launched at Tobruk House in Melbourne, the jersey pays tribute to Australia’s legendary Rats of Tobruk and honours one of the most courageous chapters in the nation’s military history.
The 2026 design marks the 85th anniversary of the Siege of Tobruk, where Australia’s 9th Division, alongside Allied forces, defended the Libyan port city ‘Tobruk’ from April to December 1941. Under relentless shelling, air raids and severe shortages, the defenders held their ground for 242 days in what became one of the longest sieges in British military history.
Their resilience delivered the first land defeat of German forces in World War II and provided a significant morale boost for Allied nations during the war.
The nickname “Rats of Tobruk” originated from German propaganda broadcasts that mocked the defenders as being trapped “like rats”. Rather than reject the insult, the Australian soldiers embraced it as a badge of honour, a symbol of courage, toughness and defiance.
Leading the defence was Leslie Morshead, the commanding officer of the 9th Division, who was born and raised in Ballarat, Victoria. His words remain central to the story of Tobruk and are featured on the jersey collar: “There is to be no surrender and no retreat.”
The 2026 jersey carries the campaign theme Honour Unites Us, recognising the shared spirit of sacrifice, service and unity that ANZAC Day represents.
The jersey design includes:
- A custom chest and back pattern inspired by the rugged desert terrain where the 9th Division fought
- Leslie Morshead’s quote printed on the white collar: “There is to be no surrender and no retreat”
- The Rats of Tobruk emblem featured on the lower right-hand corner of the jersey
- The ANZAC Appeal logo displayed on the left-upper chest
Melbourne Storm players will proudly wear the commemorative jersey when they take the field on ANZAC Day, honouring those who served and those who continue to serve Australia and New Zealand.
To order your 2026 ANZAC Round Jersey click here (use code ANZAC to enable free express shipping at checkout)
To purchase your tickets for the ANZAC Day click here.
To learn more about The Rats of Tobruk Association click here.
To donate to RSL Victoria click here.
