LOYALTY PAYS OFF IN OAKEY
Father-son duo complete major A-grade milestones for Bears
RUGBY LEAGUE: The Stanton family epitomises the meaning of the word loyalty to the Oakey Bears.
It’s what made their dual achievements at the weekend so special.
As the Bears defeated Brothers at Glenholme Park, Josh brought up his 200th game and his son Kaleb made his A-grade debut.
Josh described it as a special occasion for the family, and a proud moment for him as a father.
“It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a while,” Josh
said.
“I’m getting on a bit now and Kaleb is coming into the age. We had it planned for earlier in the year but he ended up hurting his ankle and had to get surgery.
“This was Kaleb’s first game back from injury. He played the U18s and was keen to play A-grade.
“We’ve always wanted to do it, and to finally get the chance to and get the win as well was pretty special.”
A representative with the Western Mustangs for their Mal Meninga Cup campaign, Kaleb came onto the field 20 minutes into the contest and saw out the game.
Playing in the second row with Josh in the centres, the pair defended together, and Josh praised the way he was able to handle the rigours of the top grade.
“He didn’t look out of place at all,” he said.
“We defended the whole time together. I got to look after him, even thought he doesn’t need it.
“The last couple of years he’s been a bit unlucky with injuries, but he just loves playing footy, and with a full pre-season under his belt he’ll be in even better shape next year.”
For Josh, he becomes just the second Oakey player to
reach the 200-game mark, an honour he takes great pride in.
“I’ve always been loyal. It’s something you don’t see that much these days with players hopping around to different clubs,” he said.
“I live in Oakey and it’s been a goal of mine to get to 100 (games), and then 150.
“Ben Fenton is the only other person to do it, so it’s good to be up there on the board with him.
“Aaron Cherry will do it this weekend, so it will be pretty special to do it alongside him. It will be awesome to celebrate it together.”