NQ STAR ROPES IN DIFFERENT DREAM

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 in the dressing sheds.

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.

“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.”

While it wasn’t the debut he hoped for, with the home side losing 26-12 and only playing a handful of minutes, Chester said he was stoked about playing his first game for the club he has supported since he was a boy.

The Blackhawks youngster, who normally plies his trade as a fullback, said he was keen to get stuck in when given his chance and felt no nerves before entering the fray.

“I was actually pretty good and felt all right,” Chester said.

Payten said although Chester did not get much time on the field against the Sharks, he was a player for the future.

“I threw him on in the middle as I wanted a bit of spark and a bit of leg speed,” the Cowboys coach said.

“It’s probably not his most comfortable position. He’s played most of his footy as a fullback.”

Chester came through the

Cowboys Young Guns program.

“He’s born and bred in Townsville and supported this club all his life,” Payten said.

“I think it (Chester making his debut) was a good moment.

“I think the players got a bit of a buzz out of that. I thought his dad spoke well when presenting his jersey.

“He’s got more first grade in him over time.”

Picture: Getty Images Tom Chester poses with family and friends after making his NRL debut for the Cowboys against Cronulla at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday night.