He has played 221 games in the Red V but Jason Nightingale isn’t about to start taking anything for granted.
Once you do put things in perspective you realise how lucky we are then it’s pretty hard not to enjoy the game.
- Jason Nightingale
The 30-year-old Renown United junior will play his 11th season in first grade for St George Illawarra in 2017, an achievement the one-club man is proud of.
While last season was a difficult one for the 2010 premiership winner, Nightingale is enjoying his football as much as ever and has a simple goal for the Dragons – improvement.
“I think improvement is the first thing and that’s not saying a lot. That’s not shooting for the stars. But that’s the first thing to do as far as what happens on the field. We need to improve. I think that’ll happen early and we can build from there,” he said.
“Personally I just want to keep enjoying my footy. I always have and I think a big part of enjoying your footy is what long term success is about. It’s easy when you come back to places like [your junior club] and remember why you started playing to remind yourself, especially as you get towards the end of your career, to have a bit of gratitude while you’re still in the game [for] how much you enjoyed it as a kid.
“To still have that enjoyment factor even though there’s a bit more on the line, we’re in a very high performance industry, but that just adds to the excitement and once you do put things in perspective you realise how lucky we are then it’s pretty hard not to enjoy the game.”
The 31-Test New Zealand international is also keen to get back to his own spiritual home – UOW Jubilee Oval, Kogarah – for the round one clash with Penrith on Saturday.
“It’s my home ground and WIN is probably my second favourite. And that’s just from the memories and the good times I’ve had there,” he said.
“And ultimately the support you get there when you’re at your home ground from friends and family and people that I’ve known throughout my whole career. Those type of people always turn up to the home games. It always gives me a buzz to be able to play at such a great traditional venue and home ground that has seen so much success for the Dragons over the years.”
Kick-off is at 4pm on Saturday.
