Souths stalwart Craig ‘Rowdy’ Kassulke will celebrate his 400th game this weekend, with his contribution to all parts of life at Chipsy Wood Oval immense.
Since arriving at the club in 1992, Kassulke has held almost every position possible at the club, from player to coach to committee member.
Kassulke found a home at the Nest after a successful career with Eastwood in Sydney’s Shute Shield, where he played 99 games in premier and reserve grade following his time at the University of New England in Armidale.
Upon moving to Souths, Kassulke engrossed himself in the club on, and especially off, the field.
A talented centre, he often found himself behind Wallaby centres Tim Horan and Jason Little, with Kassulke dropped to Reserve Grade when the duo returned from representative duties.
It mattered little to Kassulke however, with the club enjoying the ‘Golden Age’ of Souths Rugby.
As he entered the twilight of his Premier Grade playing days, he began to involve himself with the club in different capacities.
Kassulke has held the position of treasurer, sat on the committee, coached across juniors and seniors for over 10 years and currently holds a position on the senior Rugby sub-committee, while he was also honoured life member of the club in 2013.
The 53-year-old now plays in the Magpies Normanby Cup side, as well as coaching the fourth grade team, who have won an incredible five-straight premierships under his guidance.
Like most members of the club, Bob Hammond, who is the committee’s senior Rugby representative, is in awe of Kassulke’s contribution to Souths.
“He’s got legendary status around the club,” Hammond said.
“He totally immerses himself in club life both in football activities, administration and socially. He has his fingers in all sorts of pies around the place.
“He’s the third club member to reach over 400 games and he’s totally respected by the entire club.
“Rowdy gets on with all members of the club from juniors to seniors to referees to opposition.”
Men and women like Craig Kassulke are the heartbeat of grassroots Rugby, and without their effort and commitment, our game wouldn’t be what it is today.
Congratulations on 400 games Craig, and thank you for your dedication to Souths.
