IF Rockdale City Suns wins their first Premier League division one grand final on Sunday, the club will sing the praises of coach Branko Culina, the former Sydney FC and Newcastle A-League coach — and son Jason, the former Socceroo.
Rockdale, promoted back into Premier League I in 2009, decided to pay up big to get Branko Culina to Rockdale this year with the aim of finals football.
Now, after three weeks of extra time finals and penalty shoot-out victories, the Suns take on Bonnyrigg White Eagles at the Penrith Stadium decider.
Success no doubt will see the club move heaven and earth to try and keep Culina on past this season. And Jason Culina?
‘‘Jason has been invaluable since he was brought in about four weeks ago as an assistant coach for the finals series,’’ said club treasurer Oliver Mickoski, who added team spirit was at an all-time high, on and off the field.
‘‘All players seem to be buying in to Branko’s coaching philosophy and value his experience. A point of discussion with player negotiations for next season has been coaching, with all players in favour of retaining Branko.’’
The club will host a players’ grand final luncheon with supporters’ buses leaving from the club’s Bicentennial Park headquarters before the 4pm decider.
Do you think Culina has been a boon for the Suns?
