In 1964, I was just 5 years old. I remember a game of Rugby League at
Henson Park in Marrickville when Saints were destroying the home team,
Newtown. It was sensational match as the Mighty Dragons ripped into the
Blue Bags, upsetting my Dad who was born and bred in the streets of
Newtown as were half the family. From that day on and against the grain,
I became a Dragon.

Henson Park had good atmosphere and if they wanted, the supporters could
choose to stay in their cars and park right up to the western fence,
bomping their horns whenever they felt the urge. It was fun, but Henson
Park was a park in name only and had more of a 'concrete' feel about it.
It was apparent, even to a child, that a team is only as good as it's
home ground.
By the time I was old enough to travel on the train, I went to see
Saints play the SCG 'match of the day' and sat in the Sheridan Stand
amongst the red and white.
In the 70s, Saints were playing every 2nd week at Kogarah and the train
trip to Carlton station was a matter of just a few stops - from that
moment on, I was in heaven.
It's almost impossible to pick a single highlight from these years but
when pushed, I have to put forward one particular afternoon in 1977. It
was the final round of the premiership proper and coach Harry Bath had a
young Dragons team that looked as good as any of the great teams from
the 60s. Our victims that day were Wests and by all accounts, the
Magpies were showing up for a thrashing.
Our usual plan was to wait for the teams to come onto the field before
we decided where to stand. On this day, Saints were running from north
to south. We promptly set up camp in the south-east corner in the belief
that most of the game would be played down that end of the field - we
were not disappointed. Saints ran in try after try. By half time, we
could see a bumper attendance from our lofty position and it was quite
impossible to move camp. It didn't matter. We could see everything.
The highlight came midway through the 2nd half when the great Rod Reddy
was at acting half, about 20 yards from his own tryline. The mighty lock
forward looked larger than life and I could see the grin on his face
when he threw a dummy and bolted through a gap. 'Rocket' ran 75 metres to
score under the far posts and we saw it all as clear as the sunshine
that glistened on Botany Bay.
I made my way to the SCG again that year to watch Saints throughout the
semis and ultimately to grand final number 1 (a draw) and then the
decider when Saints thrashed Parramatta 22-0. It was a great year but
the SCG had nothing on Kogarah.

Years change people and people show their years.

By 1980, I was travelling. I left Kogarah and I left Australia. I'm very
fortunate to have seen a number of sporting events in different parts of
the world. In Los Angeles, I did time at a American Football match. In
Bologna, Italy, I competed for space at a World Cup Soccer match. In
Ireland, I was blown away by a Hurling tournament. In Leicester,
England, I near froze to death at Barbarians v Locals Rugby match. I've
even seen the Vanuatu Soccer grand final at Port Vila and an Aussie
Rules punch up at some cow paddock in Nauru where I was the score board
attendant. At Victoria Park, I saw Collingwood get thrashed by arch
rivals Carlton. I saw Equestrian events at Stadium Australia and I've
seen cricket at the MCG, SCG, Adelaide, 'Gabba, WACA and Lords.
I've seen Rugby League at more grounds than I can remember.
None of these venues come close to Kogarah.
In 1992, I found myself back in Sydney, living in Rockdale and back at
Kogarah Jubilee. By now, it was pleasant drive down the highway and the
team we had wasn't too bad at all.
The best thing about Kogarah? That was in 1996. I went to see Saints
play Canberra with my 4 year old son and my father. We sat on the
western side next to the grand stand and watched as the Dragon Army
raised their banners right opposite. It was marvellous site. My boy had
a great time and we didn't miss anything as we watched Saints outplay a
determined Raiders outfit.
With Newtown gone and no team to support, my Dad had lost interest in
Rugby League - he only came only along to spend time with his son and
grandson. However, all that changed. On his first visit to Kogarah he
became a one eyed Dragon's supporter. Such is the power of Jubilee.

We take the best for granted and when it's gone, we suddenly realise
it's value.

The R2K feeling is those in control should put their politics aside and
do more to see a 50% return to Kogarah.
Opposite StGeorge Leagues Club and central to all transport terminals,
Kogarah Jubilee should be treated as a jewel in the Dragon crown.
Crowd figures have always been impressive (superior to SFS and WIN) and
the atmosphere has always been tremendous.
Incredibly, the club had abandoned Kogarah following a series of
problems - all of which were never properly addressed.
A team is only as good as it's home ground. Even a child knows that.
Kogarah Jubilee is without a doubt one of the best Rugby League grounds
in the world.
This is the home of St George. The most famous club in the history of
Rugby League.