Dennis Bree and grandson Hamish to play grade rugby together
The grandfather of Northern Territory rugby will make history this weekend when he takes the field alongside his teen grandson for the first time.
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Godfather of NT rugby union Dennis Bree and his grandson Hamish will make history as they play in a competitive game of rugby together this weekend.
Dennis, 73, and Hamish, 17, will play in the same B-grade Palmerston Crocs outfit in round 13 of the Darwin rugby competition.
Despite the 56-year age gap the pair are as thick as thieves, both excited to take to the field for the first time together.
“This has been a long time coming,” Dennis said.
“He’s my only grandson in Darwin so we have a pretty close relationship, which led to the promise we made to each other years ago to play together. It’s one of the many excuses I’ve told my wife and myself to keep playing.
“I’ve been dreaming about this day since he was a little kid, so to finally have the opportunity to run out and play together means the world to me.”
In his 49th consecutive season of Top End rugby, St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace Old Boy Dennis said, unlike himself, his grandson actually has some slick skills.
Dennis also believes this milestone never would have happened if not for the support of his cherished Crocs.
“Hamish, unlike myself, is actually a pretty good little player,” he said.
“He’s got some pace down at fullback and from his kickboxing is as fit as anything, he also knows how to take a hit which is great.
“Everybody at the Crocs has been incredibly supportive and I don’t believe this would have been possible anywhere else.”
Hamish is also stoked to finally make his childhood dream a reality having had to wait until he turned 17 (last week) to be eligible for senior fixtures.
“I’ve been waiting for this for so long,” Hamish said.
“It’s unheard of I’m pretty sure.
“I mean, who else in the country can say they’ve actually played a game of competitive full contact rugby with their grandad, I don’t reckon anyone can.
“He’s been such a great inspiration, especially for discipline and resilience.”
The duo will be the stars of the show this Saturday with friends and family from interstate in attendance as well as former teammates and more watching on at Moulden Park, Palmerston. Kick-off is at 4pm.
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Originally published as Dennis Bree and grandson Hamish to play grade rugby together
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