Chester’s family affair

GRANDAD’S A LEGEND

CHESTER BUTLER admits nobody believes he is the grandson of a rugby league legend.

Not even Wales realised that the 22-year-old was so closely related to the late, great Colin Dixon.

They only found out a couple of weeks ago, leading to a whirlwind call-up to the World Cup.

The Halifax centre first had to provide detailed written proof of who his famous grandad was.

Evidence

He said: “No one actually knew or believed that Colin Dixon was my grandad because, well, he’s black and I’m white.

“They kept saying, ‘What you on about, Chester?’. It hit them when I actually showed them the evidence and they said, ‘Wow’.

“I had to get my grandad’s passport, my mum’s passport and marriage certificate for proof.”

Dixon, who died in 1993 at the age of 49, played 15 times for Wales and 14 times for Great Britain.

Butler wasn’t born at the time but is thrilled to be following in his footsteps by wearing the Welsh jersey.

He said: “I never knew him but I’ve heard a lot about him and he’s a very missed man.

“I’ve seen bits and bobs of him playing but not ® much really. I’ve heard he was horrible on the pitch but a teddy bear off it.”

Butler was named Chester because his mum thought ex-South African rugby union star Chester Williams looked like her dad Colin.

And now the youngster with the big name and the even bigger heritage plans to make his family proud Down Under.

He said: “I just couldn’t believe it when I got the call to say I was going to the World Cup. It’s something everyone dreams of as a young kid.”

Butler was put on standby last week but only got his call-up on Sunday and has since had to cancel two holidays.

But he says that’s a small price to pay, adding: “It’s just amazing. I’m going to grab this chance with both hands.”

Wales open their campaign against co-hosts Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby, then play Fiji and Ireland in Australia.