1 for 2 half cent options prospectus out, page-4

I think you will find that the ex-entitlement date is Monday not Friday, although you will need to be holding your shares at the close of day this Friday.

This is identical to the PUN option issue, which I took part in, that also had a record date on a Friday. For a further example, check out the PIM option issue disclosure document, namely:

The PIM record date was Thursday, 5 July 2007
The PIM ex-entitlement date was Friday, 29 June 2007

While settlement with you broker is Trade+ 3, it generally takes another 2 days to be recorded on the companies shareregister.

Cheers
SBC