WHEN it comes to legends of Group 10 rugby league, most people would have William 'Bubba' Kennedy on their list.
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The talented centre who played 61 games for Balmain between 1996-98, terrorised many opponents when he returned to the Central West competition with his strong fend, pace and ability to sniff out a try.
But his efforts for Group 10 clubs - and there were more than a few as he wore the colours of Lithgow Workies, Bathurst Panthers, Orange Hawks, Mudgee Dragons and the Blayney Bears - also served another purpose.
They inspired his son William.
He too is a rugby league talent and on Thursday night made his NRL debut, lining up at fullback for the the Cronulla Sharks.
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"I've got a few video tapes at home that I used to watch when I was a little kid. It's good to watch him when he's out at Group 10 playing," Kennedy junior told AAP after his Sharks beat Penrith.
"I got parts of him in my game. I learned so much off him and my uncle Steven Lane.
"They're still out there playing Group 10, so it's good.
"He just told me to have a good game and rip in."
It was 'Bubba' who presented his son with his number 19 jumper prior to kick-off on Thursday night and amongst the 10,000 plus crowd were plenty of William junior's family members.
"In the first half I was heaps nervous but once I got into it, I felt pretty comfortable with the boys around me," Kennedy said.