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.
Rockhampton
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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).
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.
“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