Craig Culnane
ACPE Graduate 1988 (Diploma of Teaching)
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We took the opportunity to ask the newly appointed National Youth Competition (NYC) Head Coach for the Penrith Panthers some questions:
How did you enjoy your time at ACPE?
I enjoyed the experience immensely. The opportunity to study to become a PDHPE teacher was something I had looked forward to whist at school. It was my first time living in Sydney after growing up in Bathurst and the close community of ACPE in the 80s was something I will always remember and treasure.
What have you done since graduating from ACPE?
My first appointment after graduating from ACPE was at St. Dominics College, Penrith in 1989. I then moved to James Sheahan Catholic High School in Orange where I taught from 1990 until 1998. In 1999 I took a position back at St Dominics and have been the PDHPE Coordinator since 2003.
Rugby League coaching has also been a large part of my life. I was the assistant coach to the Penrith Panthers Harold Matthews team in 2000. In 2001-2008 I worked at the Parramatta Eels with various teams, including head coach of Premiership winning 2006 team. In 2009 I am back at the Penrith Panthers.
What is your position at Panthers?
I am currently the Head coach for the NYC team.
What does your role at Panthers entail?
My role as the Head coach entails coordinating the training and game day performance of the NYC squad. This includes duties such as; working closely with other staff members, player and team performance preparation and review. I also communicate with the NRL head coach and other club officials on player performance.
What is it like working for Penrith Panthers?
Penrith are an extremely professional organisation. The club has changed dramatically since I left here in 2000. I have noticed the obvious attitude change, to improve wherever possible and to be the best that we can be. The staff work very hard and have a strong desire for success on and off the field. The Panthers also have a wonderful junior base that all other NRL clubs would love to have.
What challenges does Rugby league face into the future?
There is a lot of good currently being done in Rugby League on and off the field. However this is overlooked, as the focus and talk is about the indiscretions of some in relation to alcohol misuse and inappropriate behavior off the field. Rugby League faces the challenge of getting people to see and talk about the good that Rugby League delivers to our society.