The 48-year-old was playing his first game in 10 years. He came off the bench for the Hawks. His son, Shane, was the halfback for the Hawks, while the opposing number seven was his step son, Mick Hawkins. The Wents came away winners, with the Hawks securing a 26-12 result over the Bulls. It was only the team’s second win of the year.

Mick has played against Col once before while they had a game together back in 2001 with the now defunct Forster Dragons. Mick was only 17 then but playing first grade. The Dragons made the first grade grand final that season where they went down to Taree City.

“I’ve played with Shane before, but never against him,’’ Mick said yesterday, still nursing sore ribs from Sunday’s game.

“And I remember when I played against dad – that was a long time ago.’’

Col had the idea of having a run earlier this year, mainly to have a game with Shane.

“At that stage we didn’t know that Mick was re-signing with Taree,’’ he said.

Mick is also on the comeback trail this year, only returning to Taree’s ranks in the last month. At that stage he hadn’t even thought about the prospect of playing against his brother, let along his step dad.

Mick described the game as ‘a bit surreal’ given all the family members he had on the field.

Col played about 10 minutes each half in the front row and said he enjoyed the experience.

“I’m a bit stiff and sore today, but otherwise I’m fine,’’ he said.

Mick can’t remember who won the last time he fronted up against Col and admits he didn’t get a chance to put a shot on him this time around, although it wasn’t through lack of trying.

“He still packs a punch in defence, the old bloke,’’ he smiled.

Mick remembers coming off second best in one clash on the last occasion he played against Col and he carried a jaw injury for the rest of the year.

“I still owe him for that one,’’ he laughed.

He ran into Shane more than a few times on Sunday.

“He was putting a fair bit of s..t in,’’ he smiled.

“Facials and that sort of stuff. But it was all good.’’

Col initially planned to make Sunday’s game a one-off. But now he’s not so sure.

“Yeah, I might,’’ he replied when asked if he would be lacing the boots again.

“I should have done this 10 years ago.’’

It’s unlikely there’ll be another family reunion this year on the footy field. The Hawks sit in last place and are out of final five calculations. Taree City’s second last.