When Emre Guler runs out in the traditional Dragons-Rooster Anzac Day game, he will become the first player of Australian and Turkish heritage to do so.
Guler returns from a three-game suspension for a crusher tackle to take his place in the 24th edition of the Anzac Day Cup at Allianz Stadium. The St George Illawarra prop and former Titans, Raiders and Tigers half Aidan Sezer are the only players of Turkish descent to play in the NRL.
For Guler, it’s a match that will have special significance.
“It’s been a long three weeks, but the first thing I checked was if I missed this game or not,” Sezer said.
“It’s lucky I’m coming back this week for Anzac Day. Only having two Turkish NRL players so far and being the only one to play in the Anzac game is pretty special knowing the history behind it all, the Anzacs and the Turkish soldiers as well at Gallipoli.
“I went three or four times to the Anzac Day game when I was younger. I tried to go to a lot of footy, but that was one I’d always try to go to. I remember the crowd being so big, it was crazy. It felt like a grand final.
“Everyone has that edge because it’s such a big game and everyone gets up for it.”
Guler made four Test appearances for Turkey in 2018, and also represented the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII in 2023. The 27-year-old said he was honoured to represent both aspects of his heritage on Anzac Day.
“Mum was born here, but dad was born overseas,” he said. “They are very raw with their culture and proud of where they are from. They passed that down to all the kids and we’ve done our own homework, we know everything about our culture.
St George Illawarra forward Emre Guler will become the first player of Australian-Turkish heritage to play in an Anzac Day gameCredit: Dragons
“Your parents do all the homework for you and tell you everything you need to know about where you’re from. You can’t help but be proud for both sides. I’ll take that into this week, it should be good.”
Guler said he had attended several dawn services and had also visited Gallipoli.
“The last time was 2015, it’s been 10 years, but I did all the tours there,” he said. “You learn a lot about what happened. I’m pretty proud.”
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said Guler’s return was a welcome one.
“He’s an experienced player, been out for a couple of weeks and trained really hard,” Flanagan said. “We lose Hamish Stewart to a HIA and he’s a really good replacement to come in, with a bit of experience to tidy up that middle for us.”
The Dragons lost last year’s Anzac Day match 60-18 after Moses Suli got knocked out from the kick-off reception. Flanagan is confident his side will give a better account this time.
“Anzac Day versus the Roosters, it’s always a privilege to be involved,” he said.
“It’s a great day and we’ll have some good weather tomorrow as well. The boys are really excited, they always pencil it in to make sure they are in the team to play on this day. We’re really looking forward to it.”
In other Dragons news, the club will farewell promising forward Finau Latu, who has signed a long-term deal with Canterbury from next year.
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