Wests Archive would like to thank Denis Culpan for generously contributing his time and information in the preparation of this profile.
Denis Culpan was born in the western Sydney suburb of Auburn. He was educated at North Auburn Primary and Granville Boy’s High. The History of Lidcombe United rugby league book described Denis “as a natural athlete.” He possessed, “a combination of balance and coordination, supplemented by a good turn of speed.” At primary school he achieved honours in athletics, swimming and rugby league. Then at high school he represented in shot put, swimming and rugby league.
However, on the weekends it was rugby league where he excelled. Denis played his junior rugby league with the Auburn club from the age of thirteen. In 1961 he switched to the neighbouring Lidcombe United team. Lidcombe had finished second last in 1960 but with the assistance of Denis and a few of his Auburn mates, they won the C Grade competition in 1961.
After being convinced by his older brother Ray to trial with Wests Presidents Cup team, both were selected to play Presidents Cup in 1961. Both men were subsequently graded and played at Wests during the golden period in the early 1960’s.
