The Anzac Day service at Gallipoli has turned into a symbolic "rejection of extremism and terrorism", as Prime Minister Scott Morrison played down fears a suspected Islamic State terrorist was planning an attack. The traditional dawn service went ahead under already tight security measures, after a man believed to be planning a terror attack was arrested three hours from the Gallipoli peninsula. New Zealand's parliamentary speaker Trevor Mallard said the experiences shared by Australians and Kiwis when they landed at Gallipoli in 1915 have come to symbolise much about the nations' fundamental values. "We do not gather here to mark a victory or defeat, but to pay tribute to the valour, the service and sacrifice of all those who fought here," Mr Mallard told the hundreds gathered at the Gallipoli Campaign Historical Site. "Anzac Cove continues to have a special place in the hearts of all of us. "And it informs our rejection of extremism and of terrorism, whether it occurs in Turkey, in Australia, in New Zealand or in Sri Lanka." Speaking in Australia before the Gallipoli service began, Mr Morrison said reports received by the government about any link between the arrest and the Gallipoli service were inconclusive. "This is more of a routine thing that we've seen happen with Turkish authorities and we could not say at all that there is any link between that arrest and any planned event at Gallipoli," Mr Morrison told reporters in Townsville. Turkey banned its citizens from attending the dawn service due to heightened security fears, although Australia's Veterans' Affair Minister Darren Chester said such a move was not unprecedented. This year's Anzac service came a month after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan faced criticism in Australia and NZ for comments he made after an Australian gunman killed 50 people at two Christchurch mosques. Mr Mallard said the Gallipoli ceremony and other Anzac services around the world reaffirmed the special ties between Australia, New Zealand and Turkey. Australia's Chief of the Defence Force Angus Campbell said the three countries were forever connected by their shared history at Gallipoli. General Campbell said Australian soldiers were confronted with the realities of war at Gallipoli. "The story of Gallipoli left an indelible mark in our collective history," he said on the 104th anniversary of Anzac forces landing there. "It is one of our nations' foundational stories, one that means a great deal to a great many people." 26/4/2019 Warriors' Blair admits to poor NRLÂ formDeja vu has descended on Adam Blair as critics round on his unconvincing start to the NRL season. However, the Warriors veteran is adamant there is better to come. The 33-year-old forward has failed to make an impact through the opening six rounds for the 10th-placed Warriors, with his output dropping alarmingly in their games against South Sydney and North Queensland. He played 80 minutes on the right edge in both losses. Against the Rabbitohs he mustered just two runs and tallied 17 metres. His output against the Cowboys on Saturday was a marginally better six runs for 36m. It prompted one prominent sports columnist, Chris Rattue of the New Zealand Herald, to label Blair one of the Warriors' "dumbest" signings when they agreed to a multi-million dollar three-year deal beginning last year. It's the sort of vitriol Blair became accustomed to during a forgettable stint at the Wests Tigers from 2012-14, where he was accused of being lazy and not caring. A move to Brisbane seemed to revitalise his game for three seasons and he had some influential showings during last year's run to the finals with the Warriors. History suggests the 294-gamer can break out of his latest slump. "To be honest, I feel that I haven't played my best football, I'm the first one to admit that," he told reporters on Monday. "I've been around for a while and I've been in Sydney for a long time and I copped it down there. "It's nothing new. The thing for me is just believing in the person that you are and the ability that you have, and backing yourself." Not only is his work rate down but his error count has been high. Former Kiwis captain Blair said he will go back to basics in Thursday's Anzac Day match against Melbourne, the club where he made his name from 2006-11. "If you're honest with your performances, you fix things up," he said. "It's a long year and I always want to be better as a person and a player." Coach Stephen Kearney confirmed the Warriors (2-4) will be without winger David Fusitu'a (ribs) this week but held out some hope halfback Blake Green will return from the groin injury that has sidelined him for the past two games. |
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