The St George Illawarra Dragons welcomed prominent lawyer and former Army officer, Dr Glenn Kolomeitz, into the fold to speak to the players ahead of the 2023 Anzac Day Cup game against the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.
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Kolomeitz, a lifelong Dragons fan and Red V member, served in both East Timor and Afghanistan and shared stories with the playing group, drawing parallels between football and the military.
In addressing Dragons players, Kolomeitz noted the key similarities in teamwork and unity
‘You’re relying on the person next to you to do their job, and they’re relying on you to do your job,’ was one of his key messages and its notion of mutual support that applies on the battlefield is key to winning football games.
The Dragons region, a diverse and extensive region across NSW, is home to many actively serving and former military personnel, with many Red V members having served.
Kolomeitz spoke about what football means to these individuals, the positive influence Dragons players have on morale and how Dragons players are representing these individuals when they run out onto the field each week.
Many rugby league players fought in World War I and World War II. Kolomeitz shared the story of front rower Spencer ‘Sam’ Walklate, who played for Dragons foundation club the St George Dragons in 1942-1944. Walklate served in Papua New Guinea as part of the elite special-ops group, and was killed in action.
When the Dragons walk out on Anzac Day, they will be heeding Kolomeitz's final message, dedicating the game to those who have fought and fallen.
