Tackling distance and playing alongside his brother made this year’s football season memorable for local, Peter Watton.

This year, the Moree Boars Rugby League Football Club gained a Coonabarabran player who jumped at a reason to play footy again.

Watton tackled the distance, travelling over seven hours each week to train and play for the first grade team.

Watton grew up playing football with his brother and other family members.

He originally played for the Coonabarabran Unicorns, but retired from the game in 2019 to focus on his children and their passions.

“I ticked all the boxes and that was enough, but the hunger never went anywhere,” Watton said.

His passion for the sport was reignited after receiving a call from his brother, Michael, who was coach for the Moree Boars.

“Playing with the brother again was the main reason to do it,” he said.

“In 10 to 15 years I’ll look back and go, ‘that was a good year’,” he said.

Returning to the game gave Watton the chance to rekindle his skills, sociability and his fitness.

He said it was a good opportunity to compete alongside talented players, initially seeing this season as a positive send off to the sport.

While the team may have lost the grand final to the North Tamworth Bears 26-16 on Saturday, 19 August, Watton said he gained a lot from being back in the paddock.

His plans are to rest and recover after a busy season.