While originally an attack-minded midfielder with Twente, at PSV Culina played more in a disciplined defensive role for the club with immediate success.

"[2]On 14 January 2009, he was signed by Gold Coast United on a three-year contract, becoming the club's first marquee player.

[14] On 10 August 2023 Culina joined Western Sydney Wanderers as their Head of Academy Coaches.

He was selected in the Australian squad for the World Cup, held in Germany, and started all four of Australia's matches.

[20] On 3 March 2010, Culina was named captain of Australia for the first time, in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Indonesia,[21] a 1–0 victory.

On 18 June 2013, he announced his official international retirement at a function held before Australia's World Cup qualifier against Iraq.

[24] His son Roman, is also a footballer, who currently plays for the Western Sydney Wanderers NPL NSW squad.