ANZAC Round is always special for Gold Coast Titans strapper Darrell Madge.
A hard-working staple of the club since 1988 through the various eras of the Giants, Seagulls, Chargers and now Titans, Madge is also a Vietnam War veteran.
'Daggs' - as he's affectionally known around the club - was one of more than 63,000 young Australian men ‘called up’ as part of a birthday ballot between June 1965 and December 1972 to join the services, many of whom fought in the Vietnam War.
He saw action as part of the 107th Field Battery based at Nui Dat for almost ten months in 1970 before returning to Australia as one of a myriad of soldiers ostracised through no fault of their own because of their part in the most politically-controversial and polarising war in our history.
Darrell Madge - Anzac Video 2021
"As a Vietnam vet, we weren't recognised when we came home from there," Madge said.
"I didn't think much about it when we returned from Vietnam.
"It's been over 50 years now and I haven't really spoken about it much at all.
"I still find it hard to talk about, but I just give off a little bit here and there and the boys appreciate it."
Titans coach Justin Holbrook is proud to be able to honour Madge and his service to the country.
"Daggs got taken over to serve for our country in war, which for any young boy with a rugby league dream, to have to do that now with us living the lives that we do is very hard to take or to think of," Holbrook said.
"I want to thank Daggs for his service to our country but also what he does for our club - he just does so much work."
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To acknowledge Madge's service, he will proudly lead the team out against the Cowboys in Townsville later this afternoon - something he is immensely honoured to do.
"I get to wear my medals with the team and lead them out and that's a big thing for me," Madge said.
A team favourite among the playing squad, his relationship and involvement in the club helps him stay youthful everyday.
"The rapport that we have with the players has lasted a long time," Madge said.
"It keeps me young."
