Sunday marked four generations of Sly heritage as Chris’s son Luke and grandson Joel Whitby took the field for the Sea Eagles reserves. 

Sly said it was exciting for him to see both taking the field in the maroon jersey. 

“A lot of pride, I’m very proud of them,” Sly said. 

Sly said it was made more special as he played for Tathra like his father and uncles before him.

“I’m president of the club now, but my father played here,” Sly said.  

“My mother was an Evans and four of her brothers played here, my two older brothers played here.

“I played here and now my son and grandson are playing reserves here today,” he said. 

Sly said playing rugby league was in his family and was delighted to see his grandson taking up the sport. 

“[We’re] born in to it, they were always in to junior football,

“My grandson didn’t play much junior football, but obviously being a football family he’s very keen now.”

Sly said he was happy to take on the presidency of the club after a solid career in the reserve grade. 

“I was only ever a reserve grader, but dedicated to the town.

“I’ve been active on the committee for a fair few years. 

“And then when they needed a new president I took it on,” he said. 

Luke and Joel played admirably too, but it wasn’t enough as Bega picked up the win in the dying minutes.