Dylan Thompson is a big Knights supporter.
A Novocastrian through and through, he’s only ever seen red and blue.
He used to go to the games with his mum and dad when he was little. Now he goes with his own four kids.
They’re all big fans, especially his oldest, 7-year-old Cruze.
Pretty chuffed their dad now plays for the Newcastle Knights touch men’s side.
“They love it,” said Dylan.
“They didn’t get to come to Mudgee for our first touch game, but they had Foxtel and recorded it, and because it’s recorded they watch it nearly every day.
“My missus took a photo of them standing in front of the screen with it paused on me on TV.”
With a busy touch schedule and now playing in the NRL touch Premiership for the Knights, it becomes a family affair for the Thompson’s.
“They come everywhere, they come to all the touch events,” he said.
“Cruz and the twins have had their first year playing, Cruze played rep and the twins play cubs which is skill.
“They come everywhere to support me, and they have just as much fun as I do.
“It’s a good skill transition if they want to go and play rugby league when they’re older, they can pick their own path.”
For dad Dylan he’s taken the sport to another level, selected in the Golden Jubilee mixed open squad.
It’s the best players in the last 50 years of touch footy.
“A lot of my Australian level representative stuff has been as mixed,” Dylan added.
“I’m a men’s player throughout the year but play mixed for Australia.
“They had a criteria which was voted for by TFA on longevity and how you have changed the game and how dominant you are at the game.
“I was lucky enough to be named with the best 50 players that have ever played mixed.
“It’s a great achievement, I’m very proud of.”
