Father of Dalby Diehards star Chris Woodbridge shares excitement for star recruit’s start to TRL season

With the Diehards’ star recruit setting the TRL ablaze, Chris Woodbridge will take to the field in an epic home game this weekend as his dad shares the heartwarming moment his son revealed he wanted to put on the white and maroon jersey.

Former Dalby rugby league player and father of the Diehards’ star recruit has a lot to be proud of when it comes to watching his son take the field and put on the club’s jersey he remembers himself so fondly.

Christopher Woodbridge, father of fullback of the A-grade Diehards’ team Chris Woodbridge, said his son has been in top form to start the Toowoomba Rugby League competition, rocketing to the top of the try-scoring list.

Woodbridge senior, who played for the Diehards under-19s team, said he was “over the moon” when he found out his 21-year-old son would join the beloved club.

“It was the best feeling,” he said.

“Seeing him run out on the field and wearing the Diehards’ jersey, as well as the way he’s playing now makes me really proud.”

The Dalby Diehards A-grade team currently sits top of the TRL ladder. Picture: contributed

Describing the emotions that Woodbridge felt when he first found out Chris was going to put on the jersey he said he had “goosebumps”.

“I had tears in my eyes,” he said.

“Ever since he could walk he could carry a football around, he should’ve been born with a footy in his hands.”

While the sport seemed to come naturally to the fullback as a junior, Woodbridge said Chris was told he was “too small” to make reps side.

“Well look at him now,” he said.

Former Dalby Diehards player Christopher Woodbridge (left) with son Chris, reflects on his proudest moments as his son takes the field. Picture: Emily Devon

The Diehards are currently sitting at the top of the TRL ladder and with Chris scoring four tries during the last home game against Newtown bringing the final score to 52-10 in Dalby’s favour, the community is running wild to watch the team make it all the way to the top.

Woodbridge said the best was yet to come and the crowd was only seeing half of what his son is yet to bring to the field.

“We’re only four games into the comp and (the club’s) halfback (Phil Dennis) has only just come back, they’ve only had one game together,” Woodbridge senior said.

When asked if he has a favourite game so far, Woodbridge said the first home game of the season where the Diehards took on the Wattles was the one that had stayed with him.

“The drop kick (Chris) scored with,” he said.

“I didn’t think anyone could do it but he did. He just surprised us, then he got another one over the post.”

Chris Woodbridge of Coastal Blacks against SEQ Magic in the Warriors Reconciliation Knockout Carnival at Jack Martin Centre, Saturday, January 28, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The fullback was recruited at the start of the season by coach Jason Connors who said the player brought a lot of “speed” and “youth” to the team.

“He’s energetic (and to) win competitions like this I think you just need a fast attacking side, and I’ve recruited that,” Connors said.

Woodbridge, who hasn’t missed a game so far this season, said he will be watching from the sideline with excitement this weekend as the Diehards take on the Southern Suburbs.

“I’m very excited, I can’t wait,” he said.

“The club means a lot to me. My nan and pop were number one Diehards supporters, they’ve both passed now so they didn’t get to see him with a jersey but they’re watching for sure.”

The Diehards A-grade team will play the Southern Suburbs at 2.30pm Sunday, May 7 on the Dalby Rugby League Football Ground.