How teary-eyed dad set Cowboy’s life on course to NRL
AS A youngster, Tom Chester wanted to be a bull rider just like his dad Jason.
But after his father put a stop to that dream, the 21-year-old followed another – playing for the North Queensland Cowboys.
Born and bred in Townsville, the former Ignatius Park College student achieved his footy goal on Friday night, making his debut for Todd Payten’s side against the Cronulla Sharks at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in front of his friends and family.
Chester said playing footy was not his major ambition growing up.
“I wanted to ride bulls when I was younger and dad wouldn’t let me, so playing footy was probably the next best thing,” he said.
Before the game, dad Jason, a former bull rider, who was also a rodeo clown, presented his son with his jersey.
Jason was also seen getting emotional on the big screen at the stadium when Tom ran on to the field with 23 minutes remaining in the second half.
Chester said it was a special moment to have his family in attendance and get his jersey from his dad but he was not surprised at how emotional his dad was.
“Making my debut was definitely something special and something I’ll never forget in my life,” Chester said.
“Having my family here and playing in my home town is something I will never forget.
“Dad had been pretty sobby all week, so I’m surprised he held it together. It was a pretty special moment.”
While it wasn’t the debut he hoped for, with the hosts losing 26-12 and him only playing a handful of minutes, Chester said he was stoked about playing for the club he has supported since he was a boy.
The Blackhawks youngster, who normally plays fullback, said he was keen to get stuck in when given his chance and felt no nerves before taking the field.
“I was actually pretty good and felt all right,” Chester said.
“When I was out there, I was pretty rattled and went in the front row before going into the halves.”