Emre Guler first Turkish-Australian player to play in traditional St George Illawarra Dragons-Sydney Roosters Anzac Day clash

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.