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Tannum Sands Rugby League players Chris, Dean Larson receive green jackets

Chris and Dean Larson are now both members of an exclusive group at their Tannum Sands footy club and their achievements, 22 years apart, show why they’re in a league of their own.

Tannum Seagulls Rugby League player Dean Larson receives his green jacket from dad and fellow jacket recipient Chris Larson.
Tannum Seagulls Rugby League player Dean Larson receives his green jacket from dad and fellow jacket recipient Chris Larson.

Chris and Dean Larson have become the first father-son duo to receive Tannum Seagulls Rugby League’s Club’s coveted green jacket.

It is presented to senior players who have clocked up 10 consecutive years with the club.

A-grade captain Dean reached the milestone this season, while dad Chris achieved it in 2001.

The Larsons are among 20 recipients of the jacket, first presented in 1996 to Steven Grant and Darren Wildman.

There is another family pairing on the honour board – brothers William Potts (2016) and Blair Potts (2022).

Tannum Seagulls' green jacket recipients at the club's 2023 awards night (from left) president Wayne Warry, Will Potts, Dean Larson, Chris Larson, Axel Maeyke, John Goss and Blair Potts.
Tannum Seagulls' green jacket recipients at the club's 2023 awards night (from left) president Wayne Warry, Will Potts, Dean Larson, Chris Larson, Axel Maeyke, John Goss and Blair Potts.

Seagulls president and founding member Wayne Warry said the jacket was a great way to recognise the club’s long-serving players.

He said Chris and Dean had been great servants of the club and of rugby league.

Chris started in the centres before transitioning to the forwards, finishing his career as a prop.

Dean, who has led the A-grade side for three seasons, plays in the back row.

Wayne described them both as dedicated footballers who worked hard and inspired those around them.

Dean has worn the red and green of Tannum since he started in the junior grades at age five.

“I’m a local boy who has lived here my whole life,” he said.

Tannum Sands A-grade captain Dean Larson in action.
Tannum Sands A-grade captain Dean Larson in action.

“I was always watching dad play footy so it was something I wanted to do too.

“I’ve got a young fella who’s two so hopefully he will keep the family’s footy tradition going.”

Dean said it was a “great honour” to receive the green jacket, which was presented by Chris and Wayne at the club’s awards night earlier this month.

“It means a lot to me and having my name on the same board as my dad makes it even better,” he said.

“I’ve made lifelong friends through the club and some really good memories.

“I love the mateship, the camaraderie with the blokes, and I love the game, especially the physicality of it.”

Tannum Sands green jacket recipients

1996: Steven Grant, Darren Wildman

1999: John Goss

2001: Christopher Larson, Wayne Warry

2003: Steven Surtees

2004: Mark Marsh

2006: Matthew Downey

2007: Keith Shailer, Ashley Jenkinson, Luke Clow

2009: Kara Gardner

2010: Matthew Slaughter

2011: Brendan Rea

2013: Luke Murphy

2016: Zac Beers, Axel Maeyke, William Potts

2022: Blair Potts

2023: Dean Larson

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rockhampton/tannum-sands-rugby-league-players-chris-dean-larson-receive-green-jackets/news-story/47ad46c0dc1ad7e08181a8b4277ef275