PLENTY of fathers have watched their sons play football together.
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Some have watched them play against each other but not many can lay claim to Mick Schmiedel's proud moment at Jack Woolaston Oval, North Tamworth on Sunday.
Mick, a former premiership winning player with Tamworth City, North Tamworth, Dungowan and West Lions as well as donning the yellow and black of the Northern Division (now Greater Northern Tigers), had the chance to watch his two sons, Josh and Ryan, go head to head on Sunday.
While Josh scored three of the 14 tries for North Tamworth in the 84-nil decimation of Boggabri Kangaroos, Ryan, 19, was the referee.
Ryan had made his first grade debut last season and Sunday was his second first grade game.
"It was a pretty good game, I had a bit of fun," Ryan Schmiedel said.
There was some comment from a few sources that Group 4 should not have placed Ryan in such a situation, that it was a conflict of interest and could have affected the young up and coming referee.
"It didn't worry me," Ryan answered honestly.
"I've refereed Abby (his sister) and mum before. When the appointments came out last week and I was down to ref Norths I didn't even think that Josh was playing."
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He had a laugh as well at his older brother's expense.
"I didn't get to penalise him until the second half," he recalled.
"It was the first penalty of the second half."
For Ryan refereeing is a passion and he wants good, quality games so he can follow his dream to officiate in the NRL.
"Hopefully I can get as close as I can (to the NRL)," he said.
Josh hopes his little brother does reach the NRL.
Josh a few opportunities early on but didn't take them up to play in the NRL. After winning three premierships with North Tamworth (2005-06-07) and the G4 Player of the Year (2007) he played with Gunnedah in 2008, winning another G4 Player of the Year before heading to Newcastle.
He played with the Macquarie Scorpions down there but lost two Newcastle Grand Finals in 2015-16.
"Then I went to Aberdeen (Group 21) and we won the first year (2017) but lost the Grand Final last year."
Touring Fiji and Samoa with the NSW Country sides in 2015 and 2016 was also a highlight for him as well as playing under his younger brother.
Josh and Ryan never really had any backyard stoushes as brothers can because of the dozen years or so between them.
"He used to kick the ball around and throw a few passes but he didn't really like footie but found he loved refereeing," Josh said.
Josh said there was no thoughts of bias or conflict of interest for Ryan in Sunday's match.
He said it was about being "professional" where both he, and his younger brother, would treat the game like any other.
"If anything," Josh said "refs might be more biased towards family members to show they are not biased."
What is a fact is that Mick Schmiedel is and was a proud father when his two sons lined up on different sides on Sunday.
That one was the referee made it easier for him to cheer for Norths.
"For me to see them on the paddock in the same game was great," said Mick Schmiedel.
"I know there was a bit of controversy about Ryan refereeing his brother but at the end of the day they were both in the same game and are making their own paths in a game that has been very good to our family.
"To get to first grade in any sport is a good achievement and for Ryan to do it at 19 is good. I know he did a game against last year but he's still learning his trade. The biggest thing he has is to learn player management. But from my point of view having both sons on the paddock in the same first grade game is great for us."
Mick has also refereed his wife (Rachael) and daughter (Abby) in Oz Tag and knows of the controversy and claims of bias when officiating family members.
He's also enjoyed a brilliant playing career winning premierships with North Tamworth, West Lions, Tamworth City and Dungowan whilst also representing and captaining Northern Division (now Greater Northern).
