For the Da Rin Perette families, supporting the Cowboys has never just been about the game. It’s about family, loyalty and a passion shared across generations.
On Sunday afternoon around 30 family members spanning four generations will travel from Mackay and Charters Towers to Townsville ahead of the Cowboys’ home opener clash with the Gold Coast Titans to honour the memory of Donato “Donny” Da Rin Perette, a devoted supporter who passed away in August last year.
Born in Charters Towers and later raising his family in Mackay, Donny was a builder by trade and a Cowboys man from the very beginning.
From the club’s inaugural season, he backed the team with unwavering loyalty through the tough years, the close calls and the unforgettable highs.
Before heading into the stadium together, the family will gather on the Captains’ Walk located in the southern precinct to unveil a commemorative paver in Donny’s memory.
A small but powerful tribute to a man whose love for the Cowboys helped shape a family tradition.
For Donny’s daughter, Kesha, the moment will be especially meaningful as relatives come from across North Queensland to remember the man who brought them all together through their shared love of the Cowboys.
“Our entire family are massive Cowboys supporters, spanning four generations from my four-year-old son to my 90-year-old grandma,” she said.
“It was a no-brainer that we all chipped in to commemorate Dad this way.”
He rarely missed a game.
“We would travel to Townsville for at least two or three games a year,” Kesha said.
“And if he wasn’t at the stadium, he’d be glued to the TV.”
Donny made sure every new generation knew the team song, teaching his grandchildren to sing one of his favourite lines.
“He would have all the grandkids chanting, ‘It’s my dream to see them at the top!’”
Like many, one of his favourite memories was the 2015 Grand Final, spent surrounded by family.
Almost the same group of 30 relatives who will travel to Townsville this weekend gathered at Donny’s house in Mackay to watch the historic win, the home decorated in blue and gold balloons as the family cheered loudly together.
“I’ve lost count of how many times Dad rewatched that game,” Kesha said.
Donny loved talking footy with anyone who would listen. He admired the skill of Tommy Dearden and often said Reuben Cotter was the toughest player in the game “a complete workhorse”.
His well-worn Cowboys jersey told the story of years of loyalty, proof of a supporter who stood by the club through every season, no matter where they finished on the ladder.
“Even when they were wooden spooners, Dad’s loyalty never wavered,” Kesha said.
The Cowboys remained part of Donny’s life right until the very end.
At his funeral, the family draped his beloved Cowboys jersey across his coffin. A final tribute to a man who simply loved his team.
For Kesha and her family, unveiling the paver at Queensland Country Bank Stadium will ensure Donny’s connection to the club lives on.
“Dad would have loved leaving his mark at the stadium,” she said.
“The place where we’ve made so many great memories.”
“To know he’ll be there with his beloved team forever means everything to us.”
Before taking their seats, the family will gather on the Captains’ Walk, remembering Donny, celebrating his life and continuing the tradition he started.
“I’ll be taking my kids to games for years to come, “Kesha said.
