Multiple outlets report that Sydney is anticipating a potential wave of workers calling in sick ahead of Friday’s Socceroos match, often described as a “Socceroo sickie.” The stories frame the expectation around widespread interest in the game and how some employees may choose to watch it live or gather in public venues rather than attend work. All three articles also reference Bob Hawke’s earlier comments cautioning against sacking people who watch the match, using this as a historical backdrop to the modern workplace question. The coverage emphasizes that outlets are inviting readers to take part in a poll about what they plan to do on match day—whether they will work as usual, watch the game at the office, or take time off to watch it elsewhere. The articles do not provide confirmed figures or verified claims about how many people will absent themselves, but they collectively describe a climate of anticipation and debate around workers’ attendance and employer responses for the game on Friday.