Tom Rafter wore a Devils jersey for the first time last weekend in Dalby, where locals asked about his late father.
Was Tom related to the late Peter Rafter, a man known across southeast Queensland as the glue in many of the regional rugby league carnivals?
Peter travelled across the southeast as a Queensland Rugby League operations manager to help showcase the talent in the state’s regional areas.
Tom was proud to say that Peter was his father and a crucial part of his rugby league journey until cancer tragically took Peter’s life almost two years ago.
Peter helped his son follow a path from the Bribie Island Warrigals through the Sunshine Coast Falcons, playing in the same forward pack as Harry Grant and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, to the last three seasons with Brisbane Tigers.
Rafter is now at Norths and preparing to run out on Bishop Park for the first time as a Devil in Saturday’s Hostplus Cup pre-season match against the Falcons. It will be Rafter’s 29th birthday.
Rafter is enjoying his time with the Devils, taking only a few minutes to score a try in last Saturday’s pre-season win over Western Clydesdales when he touched down a kick in front of the locals who had spoken about his dad.
“I owe so much in rugby league to what dad did for me and there’s still so much I’d like to ask him,” Rafter said.
Rafter’s journey included a move from the halves in the Falcons’ junior representative teams to the backrow position that has featured in most of his 78 Cup appearances.
He begins his seventh Cup season rated a tough and skilled edge forward, embracing his learnings at the Devils with new teammates and coach Rohan Smith.
“I definitely feel refreshed and I’m looking forward to the season,” Rafter said.
“I’d heard a lot of good things about Norths and it was a chance to learn something different at a new club.
“It’s exciting because it feels like we’re playing footy in the backyard again, backing ourselves and having fun.
“I’m still looking to get the most out of my footy while continuing to develop and learn from my coaches.”
Rafter and partner Kate have settled in well on the northside.
Rafter works as a teacher at Wavell High, teaching geography, physical education and assisting in the school’s rugby league program.
