Text Box: Where do you possibly begin with someone who has had the career that John Pongrac has had in football, and how can you do justice to his story? To say that John has been instrumental to the success of the Pirates over the years is an understatement, but many people are not aware of the involvement and impact that he has had on the game in this State during his more than 25 years in the sport. John began his playing career as a member of the Fairfield Argonauts where he learned his craft among many of the players that would be considered to be the pioneers of the game and he quickly established himself as a talented and durable Running Back. From the Argonauts he moved on to the Northwestern Rebels where he spent a number of successful seasons refining his skills and learning more about the game, and he brought those skills and knowledge to the Pirates in 1992. From the beginning of his time with the Silver and Black it was apparent that John was someone special. He would be the first to admit that he was never the fastest or the flashiest, but his desire, work ethic and dedication set him apart from the rest. John played with the Pirates in 1992 and 1993 then decided to step away from the playing field and on to the sidelines in a coaching role, but the lure of the on-field action was too strong and he returned to the field in 1997 and played for another three seasons before retiring as an active player. Between 1994 and 1996 John held the role of Offensive Assistant and after that time he was still heavily involved in game planning and coaching even though his own playing career had resumed. From 2000 onwards he became a full time Coach and took on the Offensive Coordinator role with great success. In effect from those early days he carried out the duties of the Assistant Head Coach and he assumed that title in 2005. But for John it wasn't about the titles, it was more about teaching others about the game he loved, and he approached his coaching role with the same enthusiasm and dedication that he had exhibited as a player, and in doing so established the Pirates as being consistently one of the most potent Offenses in the League. His coaching abilities were recognised and suitably rewarded with positions on State and National teams where he went about his business with the same zeal. Many people would remember John as the guiding force behind the Offense and part of the dominant NSW Wolfpack when they won the National crown in 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2008. What many people may not remember about John is his involvement in the sport away from the field. John acted in many administrative roles during his career both at a Club and League level. In fact, he was the League President in the mid-90s during a time where the sport in this State was faced with a number of challenges, and thanks to his involvement the game in this State was able to survive and grow. So what can be said about John Pongrac? He played at a Club and State level...he coached at a Club, State, and National level...he was an administrator at Club and State level...he was dedicated, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, committed, passionate...any number of adjectives. But perhaps the greatest accolade that can be bestowed on John is that for many people in the game he is a friend, a true friend. And that is the greatest accolade of all.