A week of tumultuous weather denied a father and son their chance of re-writing the Group 7 rugby league record books on Sunday.
Sixteen-year-old Nowra-Bomaderry player, Zac Blattner was named five-eighth to take on Kiama on Sunday before the round was postponed due to the condition of local grounds.
The round four match would have seen Blattner run out onto Kiama Showground with his 41-year-old father, Michael, the first time a father and son would have played together in Group 7 first grade history.
Following a strong start to the season in under 18s, Blattner caught the attention of first grade captain-coach Ben Wellington during a hit-out with league leaders Port Kembla last week.
Blattner was asked to step up and play in the senior team the following weekend, and the 16-year-old jumped at the opportunity.
“Dad’s waited 26 years to play footy with his kids, so it was a straight away yes. It was pretty unexpected but I’ll take it every day of the week,” he said.
Blattner Snr has played more than 400 first grade games in his 26-year career and remains an influential member of the reigning Group 7 premiers.
Although the side hasn’t been selected for this weekend, Blattner Snr said it’s likely Zac would feature in the squad again, and if not this week, the youngster’s debut won’t be too far down the track.
He said he hadn’t thought about how it might feel when he runs onto the field with his son, but he will keep an eye out for his teammate.
“I don’t know how I would react if I saw someone hit him pretty hard, I don’t know if would want to go over there and whack the bloke in the mouth or say, welcome to first grade Zac,” Blattner Snr said.
“Playing with your son is the ultimate reward in my long career and I’m really proud of him.”
The reigning premiers are yet to register a win after two games in 2015 but are looking to return to their dominant best against Port Kembla this Sunday.
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A week of wild weather put a dampener on a father and son duo’s opportunity to re-write the Group 7 rugby league record books on Sunday.
Sixteen-year-old, Zac Blattner, was named five-eighth for Nowra-Bomaderry Jets but will have to wait another week before making his debut.
It’s likely that Blattner will be named this Sunday against Port Kembla, where he will run onto field with his 41-year-old father, Michael, as the pair become the first father and son duo to play a Group 7 first grade match together.
UOWTV reporter Jordan Matthews spoke to the pair yesterday.
