Most EMotional Day on our CalEnDEr

As I sit and write this week’s column, I do it with pride and emotion. I’m writing it on Anzac Day, the most emotional day on the rugby league calendar. One of the more emotive days all year to be honest. Whilst I was playing, and we (my teammates) and our opponents stood in silence on the field as the last post was played, you reflected. Reflected on your own story, my pop Keith Culpan served in the 2nd world war. Reflected on those that made our country what it is, and reflected on how much sacrifice was made for us to be even standing on a footy field about to play a game.

In 2015 whilst on brekky radio we travelled to Turkey. It was the centenary of WW1, and we were joined by 10,000 other Aussies and Kiwis who made the pilgrimage to pay our respects.

We arrived in Turkey, stayed in Istanbul, then made the 5 hour trek to Gallipoli.

On arrival we were given a tour of places like The Lone Pine memorial, Johnston’s Jolly, Coutney’s Post, 4th Battalion Parade Ground, Quinns Post, and the Nek.

The Nek was the most mind blowing; for as our guide exclaimed, here is where the majority of fighting occurred in Gallipoli and astonishingly the battle grounds weren’t any bigger than a tennis court!

After days of fighting, a whistle or bell would alert both armies that this would be the time to retrieve those bodies of the men that would never return. Unbelievable.

I will never forget the hundreds and hundreds of headstones at the Lone Pine Memorial, and noting how bloody young most of the fallen were. It certainly proved poignant in so many ways. I will never ever forget, lest we.

And another thing… see you in Bathurst...

The Panthers were always going to be the ‘hunted’ this season with every team trying to get a piece of the back to back premiers. And while it certainly hasn’t been the start to a season Panther fans are used to, its worth noting that their 3 losses have been by a combined total of 4 points! 1 point loss to the Broncos. 1 point loss to the Eels, and a 2 point loss on the bell to souths. It is definitely a far cry from panic stations. It is though, a reminder of just how competitive the 2023 season has become and they’re all after what the Panthers have got.

MG (random Westie) OAM