THE 12th game in a player's NRL career is not usually considered a milestone, but it has a significance for Penrith Panthers forward Isaah Yeo.
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With 15 first grade games under his belt, Yeo is a long way off getting his name in any official record books, but he has already overtaken his father, Justin.
Justin Yeo played 11 first grade games; one for North Sydney in 1998 and 10 for Balmain in 1999.
The family record was snatched away by Isaah when he made his 12th appearance against the Cowboys in round five and it is something the 20-year-old has already bragged about.
"That's been brought up a couple of times in messages," he said with a grin.
"He never scored a try either, but I've already managed to do that," he added, with an even bigger grin.
But all the banter aside, there is little doubt his father was a big influence when Isaah was growing up.
Born and raised in Dubbo, Yeo played his junior football for St Johns, where his father was his coach.
"I think he really helped my career and built me up as a footballer," he said.
"I tried to model a few things from what he used to do as a footballer and he's been there to give me some tips along the way."
Yeo made the move from the country to play SG Ball for the Panthers, before going on to under 20s, where he was part of the premiership-winning team in 2013.
Although he grew up in the country, Yeo said he didn't find it too hard to adjust to life in Penrith.
"Honestly, the town is a little bit like Dubbo, there's no traffic," he said.
"It's been good and hopefully I can have a few more years here.
"I've got some good mates here like Bryce Cartwright and Reagan Campbell-Gillard and it's been good to come through the grades with them."
While Yeo is loving life at the foot of the mountains, he still likes to get back home for a visit whenever he can.
"Every break we have, I try to get back.
"We've had the rep round weekend and then we've got the two byes.
"I'll try and get back for that and that's really the only time I get until the off-season, so I'll make the most of it and try and catch up with family and friends."
The Panthers have played in Bathurst this season, and NRL games have been played in Mudgee, Albury, Cairns and Mackay in recent years.
The 2014 City vs Country match was played at Apex Oval in Dubbo and one day Yeo would like to see an NRL game in his home town.
"I've played in Bathurst and I think that's the closest I'll get for a while.
"But if we could get a Dubbo NRL game, that'd be outstanding."
