It was one of Brett Ranse's goals - to play rugby league with his son, Matt.
It all came to fruition with the Blackheath Blackcats this year and to make things better they shared the jubilation of winning the New Era Cup, defeating Wallerawang 20-6 in the grand final on September 19.
It has been a great journey for the tough as teak halfback and along the way he has been involved in some memorable grand final wins.
After playing some of his junior footy with the Roosters and Penrith, he tasted success in 1993 with Blackheath and then again with Katoomba in 1996.
He lost a grand final when playing with St Marys in the Metro Cup, but bounced back to win with Emu Plains in 2000.
He then rejoined Blackheath where he was captain-coach and led them to a victory in 2001.
Ranse joined Lithgow Workmens Club for a number of years with the highlight being a premiership win in 2005.
He then joined the Lithgow Bears in the Centennial Coal Cup competition and led them to a premiership in 2011.
Ranse, who is now about to turn 42, said: "Winning this year alongside Matt (who turns 20 in two weeks) is the perfect way to go out.
"Before I ran out I knew that I was already a winner after fulfilling my goal to play with Matt.
"I love the game and my body feels good, to go on is a mental thing but I will reassess the situation in a couple of weeks."
Judging by his efforts during this season, Ranse still has a lot to offer as his skill, determination and courage is second to none and is a real inspiration to the young players in the sides that he turns out with.
The Blackcats were too good for Wallerawang in the grand final. They scored in the fifth minute when a bad pass from Wang was picked up by livewire fullback Matt Ranse who ran 90 metres to score in the corner.
Minutes later the Cats were in again off a slick back line move which saw big winger Dylan Morton score out wide. At the 25 minute mark, Ryan Jervis, the 19-year-old front rower steam rolled over several Wang defenders to score next to the posts. At half time it was 14-6 to the Cats, who sealed the game in the second half with another try to Morton.
The final score was 20-6. Best for the Cats was players player Ryan Jervis. Greg Alderson, Ryan Evans, Steve Easter, Tayler Davidson and Matt Ranse also had great games.
Once again all 21 players played a part in this great victory, including the other five players who did not get a run in the grand final.
Thanks to John Nankervis, Locky Taylor, Tim Alderson, Brock Tarrant and brave heart Mitch Wallace. Once again thanks to our major sponsors - Gardner's Inn, Blackheath Vegie Patch, Steve and Kim Moore, Bendigo Bank Katoomba, Blackheath Taxis, Blackheath Newsagents, Katoomba RSL and Kevin Gracey Earth Moving.
Thanks too to all the canteen helpers - master chef Roger Coleman, Lorna Evans, Rachel Evans and Megan Young.
- with Jeff Geddes, Lithgow Mercury
