Jason Culina never tires of reminding his dad Branko about the time he put one over the old man.
Branko was coaching Canberra Cosmos in the NSL back in the mid-1990s when Jason ruined his day by scoring the winner for Sydney United.
Revenge has never been possible until now as Jason departed for a stellar career in Holland soon after bringing dad down.
But 12 years on, Culina snr gets his chance at redemption when Jason’s high-flying Gold Coast visit Branko’s Newcastle on Sunday.
And the young bloke is already chipping away.
“I did score in that game … thought I’d mention that,” Culina Jnr grinned when asked about the first Culina v Culina showdown.
“But for me and for Dad (Sunday’s) just another game. At the end of the day it’s another three points at stake.”
“I’m just going to prepare like I normally do and not make a big deal out of it.”
“Hopefully at the end of it we can have a good laugh.”
While publicly Jason is playing down the family rivalry, Branko revealed the banter between the two began months ago
The Jets coach jokingly told Sportal: “He keeps telling me we haven’t got a player good enough to take him out of the game. I told him I don’t want to embarrass him.”
“He got me last time but maybe this is my turn.”
“I am looking forward to the game but really all I want is three points.”
The formline suggests dad may be headed for further disappointment.
Gold Coast has set the Hyundai A-League alight over the first three rounds, racing to the top of the table on the back of three consecutive wins.
The new franchise has netted 10 goals and conceded just the one from the penalty spot, with Jason Culina instrumental in the tremendous start.
It’s already put pay to talk he erred in turning his back on European football to play in Australia.
“I’m one of those players who’s hungry, who’s still young, who still wants to win things and be successful,” Culina explained.
“Every time I step out on that field, I am giving 110 percent and doing my best to not only make Gold Coast United successful but to maintain my high level and my high standards going into the Socceroos.”
“I am a winner – I like to win things – (and for) every team I play for, I try to do my best.”
