R2K recently caught up with Mark Coyne who kindly offered his thoughts on a return to Kogarah and recalled his favourite memories of Jubilee Oval. Mark Coyne also provided a statement of support at the Kogarah Oval Information Night in March.

R2K: What is your favourite Kogarah Oval memory?
MC: My favourite memory is sitting down in the sun at the southern end of the field before a match watching the lower grades and thinking about the game coming up.

R2K: As a player, what unique quality did Kogarah Oval have for you?
MC: The crowd atmosphere when it was full, usually after a few wins. Also, the appearance of the Skull.

R2K: Much has been said about the atmosphere at Kogarah for big games. Were there any games in your career where the atmosphere had a huge impact on the team?
MC: I think a game against Manly (1993) where we came from behind and Noel Goldthrope kicked a field goal with about a minute to go to win it. The crowd was fantastic that day and helped us roll on over Manly.

R2K: You joined St.George in 1988 when the club were playing at Belmore Oval. The team moved back to Kogarah in 1989 and three years later the Dragons were in the Grand Final. How much do you attribute the return to Jubilee as a part of Saints' revival in the early 90's?
MC: Jubilee contributed a big part. Although I was new, Belmore Oval was not where we trained and did not feel like our home ground. Although the years after we returned in 89,90 & 91 were not successful in terms of the reaching the play offs, having our home ground made me feel more settled.

R2K: Dragons CEO Peter Doust recently stated that Kogarah Oval has too many problems to be considered as a home venue. Who do you feel is responsible for the state of disrepair Jubilee seemingly finds itself in?
MC: Combination of the Club and the Council for not showing fore-sight on the future needs of the Club.

R2K: If the club decided to return to Kogarah for a percentage of games in 
2003, which current NRL teams would you select as opponents for those games? For what reasons?
MC: There would be two criteria. One is you would pick teams that do not generally pull good crowds as you could be assured of it being well attended by Dragons/Jubilee fans. Cowboys, Warriors, Penrith, Melbourne From a players point of view you would like to have the tougher teams as Jubilee is not a fun place to visit especially when it is full, so Parra, Newcastle, Broncos, Roosters.

R2K: What advice would you give to Dragons fans keen to see the team back at Jubilee?
MC: Realistically, there are some huge hurdles to overcome to see the Dragons ever being able to return to Jubilee due to local council and residents. Major development would need to be done with approval from the above. Funding would also be needed. I would be looking at coming up with a facility that would cater for more than rugby league, eg. youth programs, soccer, rugby, etc. The more shareholders the greater the distribution of costs and the more people supporting it.
 

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