Vale: A tribute to members of the rugby league family who passed away in 2024

Respected historian and author of the , David Middleton, pays tribute to the much-loved members of the footy family we have farewelled in the past 12 months.

VALE

Des White (1927-December 13, 2023) 

Des White was a legendary Kiwis fullback and goalkicker who set multiple scoring records during his international career from 1950 to 1956. He is still the record-holder for most points (467) in all matches (61) for New Zealand and is now fifth on his country’s all-time Test list with 132. White was a product of Auckland’s Ponsonby club and debuted for the Kiwis in the 2-0 Test series win over Great Britain in 1950. He kicked a late penalty goal when the Kiwis beat France 16-15 at Carlaw Park in the only 1951 Test. On the 1951-52 tour to Britain and France he scored 202 points in 33 games to be New Zealand’s first touring double centurion, and in 1952 his 107 points were the first century by a Kiwi touring Australia. In the second 1952 Test at Brisbane, White kicked a world record 11 goals when the Kiwis beat Australia 49-25. They went on to clinch the series a few days later in Sydney, then won the first two Tests on the return tour in 1953 – the only time the Kiwis have won four consecutive Tests against Australia. After playing in the 2-1 series loss against the 1954 Lions White was seriously injured when captaining Auckland against the British tourists, suffering a ruptured spleen in a vicious tackle from centre Doug Greenall. White spent five weeks in hospital and missed the 1954 World Cup, the 1955 home Tests against France and 1955-56 tour to Britain and France. In 1956 he came back to tour Australia, but his old touch was gone and he retired on his return home. He later coached the Kiwis and was a New Zealand selector. Honours followed: in 1990 he was inducted in the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, he was included in the inaugural NZRL Legends of League in 1995, and he was fullback in the NZRL Team of the Century in 2007. White died in Auckland on December 13, 2023, aged 96. That was yet another record, as his country’s oldest surviving Kiwi. – JOHN COFFEY 

Carl Webb (1981-December 21, 2023) 

Carl Webb was a fearless second-rower or prop who emerged from Dalby in the late 1990s to make a mighty impression on the rugby league landscape. Solidly built at 109kg and 182cm, Webb debuted for the Broncos under Wayne Bennett in the premiership year of 2000 and little more than 12 months later he was creating mayhem on the State of Origin stage. After playing a minor role in his first season in the NRL, Webb became a fixture in the Broncos’ line-up and was one of 10 newcomers chosen by Bennett for the opening game of the 2001 series. Bennett had been reinstalled as coach after the Maroons suffered a disastrous 3-0 clean sweep in 2000. Webb was part of the new brigade and according to that year’s official annual Webb made a “bumping, charging defiant run two minutes before halftime to score the Maroons’ third try”.  Webb helped the Maroons set the tone for the series with a 42-16 win. He played 12 times for the Maroons and featured in the series win in 2006 that started the ball rolling on eight years of Maroons dominance. Webb played a solitary Test for Australia, coming off the bench at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the Centenary Test against New Zealand in 2008. He played 187 NRL games across three clubs; Broncos (66 games 2000-04), North Queensland (115 games 2005-10) and Parramatta (six games 2011). Webb was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2020 and worked hard to raise awareness of the condition and assisted fund-raising efforts for research. He lost his battle in his home town of Dalby on December 21, 2023. 

John Elford (1948-February 4, 2024) 

John ‘Snoozer’ Elford was a rugged second-rower for the Western Suburbs Magpies, whose career peaked in 1972 when he represented Australia in four Tests before injury plagued the latter period of his career. Raised at Frederickton on the NSW mid-North Coast, Elford played his early football with Smithtown before joining the Magpies ahead of his 18th birthday. A champion beach sprinter, Elford began his career as a winger and centre before developing into a high-quality second-rower, renowned for his punishing defensive style. Elford’s time with Wests was punctuated by a contractual dispute in 1969 which led to a court challenge against the transfer payments system which operated at the time. The Equity Court ruled against Elford, who ultimately settled his differences with Wests and returned to play in 1970. He rose to New South Wales selection in 1972, helping the Blues to a big lead over the Maroons at Lang Park before he was sent from the field for what Rugby League Week described as “a hurricane crash tackle”. The dismissal failed to deter Australian selectors who named him to partner Bob McCarthy for two home Tests against New Zealand before he won a place in Australia’s squad for the World Cup in France. Elford played in Australia’s first two games but was diagnosed with a spiral fracture of his arm after the clash with New Zealand in Paris and played no further part in the tournament. He battled ongoing injury problems until he quit the Magpies at the end of the 1976 season after 116 top grade games. Elford returned to Smithtown, where as captain-coach, he steered his boyhood club to a Group 2 title in 1977. He died on February 4, aged 75. 

Rees Duncan (1931-February 16, 2024) 

Duncan was a second-generation representative player from Kurri Kurri who played two Tests for Australia and toured with the 1952-53 Kangaroos. Duncan’s father Rees Snr represented New South Wales at hooker in the 1930s and played for Newcastle against three successive British touring teams (1928-32-36). Duncan jnr played first grade for Kurri at 16 and by 1951 represented Newcastle against France, launching a long career at representative level. He represented Country Seconds and New South Wales in 1952 before making his Test debut in the first Test against the touring New Zealand team of 1952. Duncan was left out of the second Test team for Brisbane but after Australia were blasted 49-25 selectors rung in the changes for the third Test and Duncan was recalled. He was then chosen for the Kangaroo tour but was unable to break into the Test line-up. Duncan returned to Kurri in 1953 but signed with Manly in 1954 and played 54 first grade games over three seasons. He played at Kurri again in 1957 before playing six first-grade games with Western Suburbs in Sydney in 1958 and later acted as player-coach at Newcastle Lakes United (1959-60), Goulburn United (1961), Scone (1962), Mudgee (1963) and Cooma (1964). Duncan died at Grafton on February 16, aged 92. 

Keith Barnes (1934-April 8, 2024) 

Welsh-born Barnes was one of the all-time greats of the game in Australia. Named one of the 100 greatest players of the century in 2008, Keith ‘Golden Boots’ Barnes was automatically inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2018. After Barnes’ family migrated to Australia they settled in Wollongong where Keith excelled at cricket, golf and rugby league. He attracted the attention of league scouts after being named under-21 player of the year two years running and at 20 he made the move to Balmain, immediately cementing a first-grade position. He went on to play 194 first grade games, scoring 1,519 points and played in three grand finals but in an unfortunate quirk of fate retired the year before Balmain broke a 21-year premiership drought. Barnes became recognised as one of the game’s greatest goalkickers, with an ability to boot goals from his own side of halfway. He made the first of 11 interstate appearances for New South Wales in 1956 and represented Australia for the first time at the 1957 World Cup. He captained Australia in 14 of his 17 Tests and led the Kangaroos on the 1959-60 tour of Great Britain and France. He was captain-coach of Balmain in his final two seasons as a player (1967-68) and later spent over 10 years as Balmain club secretary (1984-94). He was co-manager of the 1990 Kangaroo tour. He died on April 8, 2024, aged 89. 

Terry Hill (1972-April 24, 2024) 

Hill was a gregarious character and a natural entertainer who won a premiership with Manly and played nine Tests for Australia in a career that spanned 16 seasons. A Zetland junior, Hill was 18 when he made his first-grade debut for South Sydney in 1990 and he went on to play 246 games across five premiership clubs. He spent the longest period of his career at Manly under coach Bob Fulton and celebrated a grand final victory in 1996. He toured with the Kangaroos in 1994 but did not make his Test debut until the first Test against New Zealand in 1995. The same year he played a key role in Australia’s World Cup triumph after scoring an extra-time try in the semi-final against New Zealand to keep the team’s hopes alive. He finished with eight tries in nine Tests. Hill also figured in 14 State of Origin games for New South Wales 1993-2000. He played 142 games for the Sea Eagles including three grand finals and achieved the distinction of scoring the first try at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium in 1999. Remembered fondly by many for his larrikin role on Channel Nine’s Footy Show, Hill was also a key figure in the demise of the NSWRL’s player draft in 1991. Hill opposed his selection as a draft choice for Eastern Suburbs and the Players Association stepped in to (successfully) challenge the legality of the system through the courts. Hill died of a suspected heart attack in the Philippines on April 24, aged 52. 

Ron Lynch (1939-May 12, 2024) 

Lynch was a tough and durable lock or second-rower who played 12 Tests for Australia and toured with the 1967-68 Kangaroos. Born in Forbes in central-west New South Wales, Lynch first came to attention when he represented Country Seconds in 1959. A year later he played for Country Firsts and New South Wales in the first of 15 interstate games. He moved to Sydney with Parramatta in 1961 and despite the fact his club was headed for a sixth consecutive wooden spoon, Lynch earned selection on Australia’s mid-season tour of New Zealand. The 21-year-old played both Tests as Australia squared the series. As Parramatta’s fortunes improved significantly over the next two seasons, Lynch was considered a certainty to tour with the 1963-64 Kangaroos but dislocated his shoulder on the day the team was to be announced. He played in winning Australian teams in the final two Tests against Great Britain in 1966 and finally won his Kangaroo tour spurs in 1967-68. He played the first two Ashes Tests but was forced to watch the decider from the reserves bench after losing out in a battle for selection with future Immortal Ron Coote. His 12th and final Test appearance was in the brutal first Test against Great Britain in 1970, but his day was over early after a sickening head clash with a team-mate left him with a depressed fracture of the cheekbone and broken jaw. Lynch left Parramatta at the end of 1971 for two seasons at Penrith and retired after 238 first-grade games with the distinction of never playing a game in a lower grade. He died on May 12, aged 84. 

Bobby Banks (1930-July 10, 2024) 

Banks was a much-travelled five-eighth for Queensland and Australia in a career that spanned 16 seasons. He was rated by renowned coach Bob Bax as a “superb handler and strong defender”, described by Immortal Clive Churchill as the greatest team player of his experience, while legendary halfback Duncan Thompson described him as “a brilliant tactician, a halfback’s and an inside centre’s dream”. Banks was born in the Riverina town of Tumut but was raised in Newcastle where he played first grade with Central Newcastle before his 18th birthday. He won the local grand final with Central in 1949 before joining Eastern Suburbs in Sydney in 1950. He played a season with Charters Towers in 1951 and represented North Queensland against the touring Frenchmen but it wasn’t until his move to Toowoomba in 1952 that he made his big break into the representative arena. In three seasons in the Darling Downs Banks played 11 Bulimba Cup games against Brisbane and Ipswich for 11 wins. He played the first of 26 interstate games for Queensland in 1952 and the following year debuted for Australia on a short tour of New Zealand. He went on to play 15 Tests, appeared at the first World Cup in France in 1954 and toured with the Kangaroos in 1956-57, playing in all six Tests against Great Britain and France. Banks’ club career took him to Waratah-Mayfield in 1955, North Rockhampton in 1956, Cunnamulla from 1957-60, Southern Suburbs Cairns in 1961-62 and Tully in 1963. Banks died in Newcastle on July 10, aged 94. 

Kevin Goldspink (1941-October 5, 2024) 

Kevin Goldspink was a rugged and hard-working second-rower for Canterbury who was considered a major selection ‘bolter’ when he was chosen for the 1967-68 Kangaroo tour. The 24-year-old had played strongly for Canterbury in their grand final loss to South Sydney but he was not expected to be named ahead of Rabbitohs’ second-rower Bob McCarthy, who had almost single-handedly won the grand final for Souths with his long-range intercept try. Goldspink, who had played for City Seconds in 1966 and 1967, went on to play 13 games on the tour but did not play a Test. He arrived at Canterbury in 1963 from the NSW south-western town of Tumbarumba where he was born into a large footballing family. His brother Colin played 11 games for Canterbury in 1964, while son Brett later played 60 first-grade games for Illawarra, South Sydney and the Western Reds (1992-96). Kevin was a first cousin of former Test fast bowler Geoff Lawson. He played 103 first grade games for Canterbury until 1969 before playing 26 games across two seasons at Eastern Suburbs. He later coached Wollongong club Collegians. Goldspink died on October 5, aged 83. 

Fletcher Roy Christian MBE (1943-November 19, 2024) 

Roy Christian was one of New Zealand's most successful captains and a NZRL Legend of League. He led the 1971 Kiwis to a 24-3 Test win over Australia at Carlaw Park and then to series victories on tour to Great Britain and France in a unique Kiwis Grand Slam. His full name reflects his heritage. His sixth great grandfather was Fletcher Christian, who led the 1789 mutiny on the British ship HMS Bounty in the Pacific Ocean. His father was from Norfolk Island and his mother from Vanuatu but Roy was born in Auckland and lived in Otahuhu, where he played all his club football. In 1965, aged 22, he debuted against Australia in a tied 1-1 series. Then followed the 1965 tour to Britain and France and the 1967 tour to Australia and home series against Britain (1966) and Australia (1969, when he was permanently switched to the centres). He became captain for the 1970 World Cup in Britain before the 1971 Grand Slam and in 1972 made a short tour to Australia and another World Cup in France. Christian retired after 32 Tests and 74 matches for New Zealand. Fletcher Roy Christian, Kiwi number 435, died in Auckland on November 19, 2024, aged 81. – JOHN COFFEY 

BOB MOON, second-rower and prop for South Sydney in 19 first-grade games (1953-57) including the 1953 premiership final victory over St George. Moon played junior football with Alexandria Rovers and represented the Rabbitohs in Presidents Cup in 1952. He later won a reserve grade title with the Rabbitohs in 1956. His career ended after he badly dislocated an arm in 1957. Moon died on November 18, 2023, aged 90. 

PHIL COOLEY, referee in 30 NSWRL premiership games between 1986 and 1989. Cooley began his refereeing career in the Newtown district and was graded in 1982. Apart from duties as central referee, Cooley was a long-serving touch judge and video referee, officiating in 516 games at senior level, including eight State of Origin games. He died on December 11, 2023, aged 72. 

LEN SOLOMON, lock forward for Eastern Suburbs in 20 first-grade games 1949-50. A Bondi United junior, Solomon played Presidents Cup for Easts in 1948 and made his first-grade debut for the club at 19 the following year. He died at Erina on December 19, 2023, aged 94. 

TROY DARGAN, five-eighth for South Sydney in two NRL games in 2020 and Cook Islands international (two Tests 2019). An Australian Schoolboys rep in 2014 (from Knox Grammar), Dargan played junior football with Cabramatta and played 32 Holden Cup games for Parramatta. He was named in the Holden Cup Team of the Year in 2016 and represented NSW Under-20s in 2017. Dargan played NSW Cup for Wentworthville 2016-17, South Sydney 2020-21 and Blacktown Workers 2023 and Intrust Super Cup for Norths Devils 2018-19. He was hoping to resurrect his NRL career with the Canberra Raiders in 2024 but was killed in a motorcycle accident while holidaying in the Cook Islands on Christmas Eve, 2023, aged 26. 

RON TAYLOR, representative centre of the 1950s who had two stints in first grade with Eastern Suburbs 1953-54 and South Sydney 1957-61. Taylor played junior football with the Celebrity club and played 14 first grade games for Easts over two seasons until a dislocated shoulder forced his early retirement. He made a comeback with Souths in 1957, appearing in another 35 first grade games. Taylor represented Sydney against American All Stars in 1953, City Seconds in 1953 and City Firsts and NSW in 1958. A lifelong friend of Coach of the Century Jack Gibson, Taylor was the son of Joe Taylor, an owner of the infamous Thommo’s Two-Up School, an illegal casino that flourished in inner Sydney until the 1970s. Taylor died on January 5, aged 91. 

JOE RYAN, centre for Western Suburbs in 13 first-grade games from 1959 to 1962. A Concord United junior, Ryan won a third grade title with Wests in 1958 and was a member of the club’s reserve grade-winning team in 1961. He partnered former World Cup captain Dick Poole in the 1959 (preliminary) final against Manly, Wests falling short of the grand final after a 14-13 loss. Ryan died at Tuncurry on January 5, aged 88. 

DARRELL BAMPTON, second-rower and lock for South Sydney in 51 first-grade games 1970-73 and 1978-79. A junior with Alexandria Rovers, Waterloo Waratahs and Zetland United, Bampton captained Souths’ President’s Cup winning team in 1969 and won a third grade title in the same year. His path to first grade blocked by players of the calibre of Bob McCarthy, Gary Stevens, Ron Coote and Paul Sait, Bampton joined Wollongong club Collegians in 1974. He played in an Illawarra representative side that upset England in 1975. Bampton returned to Souths in 1978. He later took up administrative roles, as CEO of South Sydney (1997-99) and manager of NSW and Australian teams from 1999-2002. A life member of South Sydney and the NSWRL, he was awarded an OAM for services to rugby league in 2009. He died on January 6, after a long illness, aged 74.  

PETER HARRISON, centre or fullback for North Sydney in nine first grade games between 1964 and 1968. Son of long-serving North Sydney five-eighth of the 1930s and 1940s and NSW rep, Rex Harrison, Peter played juniors with Willoughby CYO and debuted in first grade in 1964, but his career was interrupted and ultimately cut short by injury. He later had a successful career in marketing and advertising and served as a director of North Sydney in the 1990s. Harrison passed away in January, aged 82.  

PETER GLYNN, utility back for St Helens in 258 senior games from 1975-83 and later with Salford (1983-89), Chorley Borough (1989) and Trafford Borough (1989-91). Glynn toured Australia and New Zealand with the 1979 Great Britain team. Glynn won a Challenge Cup title with St Helens in 1976 and was a member of the St Helens team that played Eastern Suburbs in the first World Club Challenge match at Sydney Cricket Ground the same year. He died on January 27, aged 71. 

PAUL SCHULTZ, utility back in nine Tests for New Zealand from 1965 to 1968. He made his debut against Australia in New Zealand in 1965, toured Britain and France later that year (in company with older brother Bill), toured Australia in 1967 and played all three matches of the 1968 World Cup in Australasia. A stalwart of the Auckland Marist club (with brothers Bill and Ray) Paul alternated between halfback, five-eighth and centre for Auckland from 1963 to 1969. In his last season he shared in the province’s 15-14 win over Australia. He died in Auckland on February 9, aged 84. – JC 

COL McLENNAN, promoter and entrepreneur who was the driving force behind the introduction of the mid-week televised rugby league competition in the 1970s. McLennan believed that an FA Cup-style competition would be a huge success in rugby league and pitched the idea to NSWRL president Kevin Humphreys ahead of the arrival of colour television in Australia in 1975. After securing sponsorship and television contracts, McLennan’s vision became reality in 1974 with the launch of the Amco Cup on Channel 10. NSW Country entry Western Division won the first title in an iconic performance. The competition, with various sponsors and formats continued until 1989. He died in February, aged 89. 

LARRY PINKERTON, winger for Penrith in eight first grade games in 1971. A Fairfield junior, Pinkerton played fullback for Parramatta’s Jersey Flegg and President’s Cup teams before appearing in the Eels’ lower grades in 1968-69. He stood down for a season before joining the Panthers in 1971. After his brief taste of the top grade he continued in the Panthers’ lower grades until 1973. He passed away in Brisbane on February 17, aged 74. 

BILL FRANCIS, utility back in 400 senior games for Wigan 1963-77 before stints with St Helens 1977-79, Oldham 1979-80 and Salford 1980-82. Francis played four Tests for Great Britain, the first in the second Ashes Test against Australia in 1967 and three more in the 1977 World Series, including the final against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Francis also played 19 internationals for Wales and was a member of the 1975 team which played World Series games in Australia. He died on February 17, aged 76. 

JOHN MORAN, centre or winger for Penrith and Parramatta in 85 first grade games from 1969 to 1977. Younger brother of Panthers Hall of Famer Grahame Moran, John followed Grahame to Penrith from Taree in 1969 and appeared in 50 first grade games 1969-73 before joining the Eels in 1974. Moran played 35 top grade games for Parramatta until 1977, including the club’s maiden grand final in which the Eels fell 13-10 to Manly. Moran died on February 19, aged 75. 

DARRYL VAN DE VELDE, centre and second-rower for Mackay Brothers, Easts Tigers, Souths Magpies and Redcliffe in the 1970s and later coach and long-serving administrator. Van de Velde moved to Easts in Brisbane in 1973, before playing four seasons with Souths 1974-77 and one with Redcliffe 1978. Van de Velde represented Brisbane and Queensland against Great Britain in 1977. He turned to coaching with Redcliffe 1986-87 before guiding English clubs Castleford 1988-93, Huddersfield 1996 and Warrington 1997-2000. Van de Velde was the first CEO of the South Queensland Crushers in 1995 and later a long-serving QRL director. He died on February 27, aged 72. 

LEIGH MAUGHAN, one of the prime movers behind the establishment of the Newcastle Knights in 1988. As a local real estate agent and radio and television broadcaster, Maughan long held the view that a Newcastle team should participate in the NSWRL premiership. A lunchtime meeting between Maughan and local solicitor Michael Hill in 1980 was considered the starting point of the push for a Newcastle team. Hill credited Maughan as the leading figure behind the Knights’ formation. He died on February 28, aged 84. 

LEWIS JONES, legendary dual rugby international who represented the British Lions and Wales in rugby union before a glittering career in rugby league with Leeds from 1952 to 1964. Jones played 15 Tests for Great Britain (1954-57), toured Australia and New Zealand in 1954 and returned Down Under in 1957 for the World Cup. Equally at home at fullback, wing or centre, Jones played 385 games for Leeds, scoring 2,920 points. He moved to Australia in 1964, joining second division club Wentworthville as captain-coach from 1964-69 and non-playing coach 1970-71. Jones was inducted into England’s Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2013. He died on March 4, aged 92. 

JOHN BOND, forward in seven Tests for New Zealand and on three tours from 1953 to 1956. He played all three 1953 Tests against Australia and in the first 1954 Test against Great Britain at Auckland before suffering a broken arm. He later played against France and Great Britain at the inaugural 1954 World Cup in France, then played against Great Britain at Leeds on the 1955-56 tour, and played in six midweek matches in Australia in 1956. Bond’s senior career spanned 22 years, most of them in the front-row, for the Papanui, Marist and Kaiapoi clubs in Christchurch. He died on March 10, aged 92. – JC 

RAY BERNASCONI, long-serving club official of the Western Suburbs Magpies. Bernasconi joined the club as secretary of the third grade team of 1961 and fulfilled various roles at the club, including club secretary 1980-83 and first grade manager in 1988. He assisted fund-raising efforts when the club was battling to survive in the NSWRL in the 1980s. Bernasconi was co-manager of the Australian team in 1983. He died on March 14, aged 92. 

ERN GILLON, utility back for Parramatta and Penrith in 79 first-grade games from 1966 to 1970. Gillon played juniors with Westmead before making his way to grade with Parramatta in 1963. He played five-eighth in the club’s premiership-winning third grade team of 1964, the club’s first to win a title, before appearing in 17 first grade games at halfback for the Eels in 1966. He played centre in Penrith’s inaugural first grade team in 1967 and appeared in 62 first grade games for the Panthers until 1970. He later played for Second Division club Ryde-Eastwood from 1971-75. Gillon died on March 17, aged 81. 

PHIL LOWE, second-rower for Hull Kingston Rovers 1967-83 and Manly Warringah 1974-76 and in 12 Tests for Great Britain 1970-78. Lowe was signed by Manly secretary Ken Arthurson in 1974 and, with countryman Gary Stephens and Steve Norton, helped the Sea Eagles to their 1976 grand final win over Parramatta. Lowe played 418 games for Hull KR and 72 for the Sea Eagles. A noted try scorer, Lowe tallied over 200 tries during his senior career. He died on March 20, aged 74. 

IAN HEADS, journalist with the Daily and Sunday Telegraphs, Sydney Morning Herald and Sun Herald, and author of over 50 histories and biographies, most relating to rugby league. Heads covered the game from the early 1960s and earned universal respect for his fairness and integrity. He was managing editor of Rugby League Week 1981-87 and during this time was instrumental in the development of the Immortals concept, which has become the highest honour the game can bestow upon an individual player. Heads’ historical work revealed untold stories from the past and captured the essence of iconic games such as Balmain’s upset of South Sydney in the 1969 grand final and Western Division’s epic Amco Cup win in 1974. Heads mentored countless aspiring journalists and writers and had the ear of the game’s most influential people. He was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame as a contributor in 2023. Heads died on March 25, aged 81. 

BOB LANIGAN, long-serving player, coach and official. Lanigan commenced his career with Camdenville (Newtown) and Chelsea United (South Sydney) junior clubs before playing 67 first grade games for Newtown 1964-68. He was the NSWRL’s leading pointscorer in 1966.  He transferred to Griffith Waratahs in 1969 before stints with Dapto Canaries 1970-71, Erina Hawks 1972-74 and Macquarie Scorpions 1975. Lanigan coached Erina Hawks 1976-79 before taking on strength and conditioning with Woy Woy, Parramatta, Auckland Warriors, Leeds, St Helens and the New Zealand national team. Lanigan served as NRL ground manager from 1999-2022. He died on April 4, aged 81. 

GEOFF HENRY, five-eighth for Western Suburbs in three first-grade games in 1969. Henry played junior football with Concord United and represented Wests in President’s Cup in 1965-66. Halfback in Wests’ third grade-winning team in 1967, Henry played mostly lower grades with the club between 1967 and 1970 but was promoted for three games under captain-coach Noel Kelly as the Magpies tried to break a run of losses. He ended his career in two seasons with second division club Ryde-Eastwood in 1971-72. Henry died on April 11, aged 75. 

DAVID LORD, journalist, broadcaster and author in a career that spanned more than 40 years. Lord wrote for the Sydney Sun, commentated rugby league on 2KY with former Great Britain international John Gray and later worked for 2BL. Lord died in April, aged 84. 

JIM PAYNE, second-rower from Toowoomba, who represented Queensland in seven interstate matches 1956-58 and was named as a reserve for Australia in the third Test against Great Britain in 1958. Payne played junior football with All Whites in Toowoomba, before representing the city in 19 Bulimba Cup matches 1955-59 and in games against touring New Zealand (1956) and Great Britain (1958) teams. He also played for Queensland against the Great Britain tourists of 1958. Payne coached Milla Milla in north Queensland in 1960 before moving to Warialda in northern NSW as captain-coach. There he steered the club to five consecutive Group 5 titles along with the Clayton Cup in 1962. Payne represented Northern Division against touring teams from Great Britain 1962, South Africa 1963 and France 1964 and played for Country Seconds in 1967. He died on April 16, aged 87. 

DON TOSH, Wentworthville junior who played 61 games at halfback for Paramatta between 1953 and 1957. Tosh made a strong impression in 1954, named for Probables in a representative trial against Possibles and later that season finished second behind Norm Provan in the Sun-Herald’s player of the year competition. Tosh moved to Maitland in 1958. He died on May 18, aged 91. 

JEFF HUNT, goalkicking winger or centre for Newtown in 23 first-grade games 1977-78 and 1981. Hunt played juniors with Riverwood and Bankstown Sports and won a Jersey Flegg title with the Bulldogs in 1976. After two seasons with Newtown, he joined Canterbury in 1979 and played in the Bulldogs’ reserve grade grand final-winning team in 1980. He died on May 25, aged 65. 

JACK GILL, lock from North Newcastle who played 12 first-grade games for Parramatta in 1959. Gill played junior football with Stockton and North before his promotion to first grade for North Newcastle in 1958. He returned to the Hunter after one season in Sydney and won premierships with North in 1962 (player) and 1967 (captain-coach). Gill represented Newcastle against France in 1960 and against New Zealand in 1967. Gill died on May 26, aged 87. 

BRIAN BOURKE, long-serving second-rower for Queanbeyan Blues from 1959-76. Bourke represented Monaro against touring Great Britain teams in 1966, 1970 and 1974 and played for Country Seconds against City in 1972. After retiring he became heavily involved in sports training and was inaugural head trainer for the Canberra Raiders in 1982. Bourke was so revered in the local community that he was immortalised with a statue that holds pride of place in Queanbeyan Leagues Club. Bourke died on May 26, aged 82. 

STEVE BLYTH, second-rower and occasionally prop for Western Suburbs and Newtown in 93 first-grade games 1976-82. Blyth played junior football with Berala Bears and represented Wests’ President’s Cup team in 1973. He made his first grade debut for Wests in 1976 and played 49 games across three seasons. He also played in Wests’ 1977 Amco Cup-winning team. He linked with Warren Ryan at Newtown in 1979 and played in 44 games until 1982, including the 1981 grand final against Parramatta. Blyth died on May 29, aged 69. 

JOHN TOPP, long-serving Queensland referee, referees’ coach and official. Topp controlled over 200 games in Brisbane from 1988 to 1998 including Queensland Cup, State League, Queensland v NSW Residents, Queensland v NSW Under-19s, City v Country and A Grade. He spent 42 years in officiating and was made a life member of the Brisbane Referees Association in 2001. He later moved into executive roles before becoming referees high performance co-ordinator. He died on May 29, aged 59. 

DAVE GRIMMOND, former Wallaby winger who played a Test against the All Blacks in 1964 before switching codes in 1968 and joining Queanbeyan United. Grimmond represented Country Firsts 1968-70 and in New South Wales in three interstate games in 1970. In the same year he played for Monaro and New South Wales against the touring Great Britain team. Grimmond knocked back an offer to join Penrith in 1970 to remain in with United. He died on May 31, aged 80. 

ROB BURROW, diminutive halfback or hooker for Leeds in 492 senior games 2001-17. He played 13 Tests for England, including one against Australia at the 2008 World Cup, and five for Great Britain. He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2019 and worked tirelessly with former team-mate Kevin Sinfield to raise awareness. Between them nearly £20 million was raised for research and treatment of the condition. Both were awarded CBEs in 2024. “He had the heart of a lion while playing, and the heart of a thousand lions when facing motor neurone disease," former England team-mate Sam Burgess said. Paying tribute on social media, Prince William said: “A legend of rugby league, Rob Burrow had a huge heart. He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’." Burrow died of the disease on June 2, aged 41. 

BRIAN COOLEY, fanatical Sydney Roosters supporter who followed the club through thick and thin for over 60 years. Cooley’s passion was often displayed on television and seen frequently in the flesh at Roosters home games. Affectionately known as ‘Roosterman’, he died on June 30, aged 80.

GEOFF ROBINSON, uncompromising prop or second-rower for Canterbury in 139 first-grade games from 1977-84 and 1986. He also spent the 1985-86 season with Halifax under former team-mate and captain-coach Chris Anderson. Robinson, who played junior football with Chester Hill and Regent’s Park, played in grand final-winning teams for the Bulldogs in 1980 and 1984 and represented Country Seconds in 1984. He later coached the club’s Under-21s side to a premiership in 1991. He died on July 3, aged 66. 

MIKE COLMAN, award-winning journalist and author in a 40-year career in which he covered Olympic Games, Ashes series, World Cups and State of Origin series among countless other events. He wrote for The Australian, the London Sun, North Shore Times, Sydney Sun, Sunday Telegraph and Courier-Mail and won numerous awards as author of sporting and military titles. Colman wrote a compelling account of the Super League War and best-selling biographies of Paul Vautin and Gorden Tallis. He died on July 12, aged 68. 

DAVID MORROW, renowned radio and television commentator for the ABC for over 30 years, covering eight Olympic Games and six Commonwealth Games who possessed the versatility to call horse racing, cricket, rugby union, soccer and athletics, along with his first love, rugby league. His most famous call was the Kangaroos’ dramatic second Test win at Old Trafford in 1990 for Channel 10. Morrow joined radio 2GB in 2015 and continued to call until 2024. He was informed of his forthcoming induction into the NRL Hall of Fame days before he died on July 16, aged 71. 

GARY CAMERON, five-eighth for Cronulla in 36 first grade games from 1977 to 1980. Cameron joined the Sharks from Wests Newcastle and enjoyed his finest moment in the 1979 Amco Cup final against a Combined Brisbane team that included Mal Meninga and Wally Lewis when he scored three tries in a man of the match display in his team’s 22-5 win. Cameron died on July 16, aged 70. 

RON CLIFFORD, halfback for Balmain in 24 first-grade games 1956 and 1958-60. A local junior with Balmain Fitzroy, Clifford played President’s Cup for Balmain in 1953 before graduating to grade with the Tigers the next season. He captained Balmain’s reserve grade team to a premiership in 1957 and was Tigers’ first grade captain for much of 1959. He coached Penrith in the second division competition in 1963 and later coached Balmain’s Under-23s 1974-78. He died in late July, aged 90. 

LEN DITTMAR, prop for Brisbane Brothers from 1969-73, who represented Queensland in three interstate matches in 1971. Dittmar also played a season with Hull FC in 1972-73 before his career was cut short by a knee injury. Dittmar was the son of former national welterweight champion Len Dittmar snr. He died on August 1, aged 73. 

ALAN McRITCHIE, prop for St George and Cronulla in 51 first-grade games from 1964-69. Son of former Dragon Bill McRitchie (and nephew of Test star Doug), McRitchie played juniors with Arncliffe Scots before he was graded with St George in 1960. He won reserve grade titles with Saints in 1962 and 1964 and appeared four times in first grade from 1964-66. He joined the Sharks for their first season in 1967 and played in the club’s inaugural game, an 11-5 win over Eastern Suburbs at Sydney Sports Ground. He played 47 first grade games for the Sharks until 1969. He died on August 3, aged 83. 

GEORGE DOWNIE, prop for Western Suburbs in 112 games 1958-63 including 11 in first grade 1959-60. Downie won third grade premierships with the Magpies in 1958 and 1961 before becoming a Magpies committeeman. He served as third grade secretary from 1973-88 and was a Wests Magpies director in 2010. He died on August 4, aged 87. 

JIM EMIRIAN, prop for Newtown in four first grade games 1981-83. A Marrickville RSL junior, Emirian represented NSW Under-18s v Queensland Under-18s at Lang Park before the inaugural State of Origin game in 1980. He debuted in first grade for the Jets as a 19-year-old in the final round of 1981 against St George. He died on August 20, aged 62. 

TONY ANTUNAC, second-rower and prop in 41 first-grade games for Manly (1965-69) and Western Suburbs (1970-71). Antunac emerged from the NSWRL Coaching Squad to make grade with the Sea Eagles in 1965. He played 20 games for Manly before appearing in 21 games for the Magpies. He died on August 24. 

JOHN BILBIJA, hard-running second-rower in 49 first-grade games for four NSWRL clubs during the 1980s. The son of Serbian immigrants, Bilbija played with Birchgrove Scorpions in Balmain juniors as a 17-year-old and was graded with the Tigers in 1979. He played with Balmain 1980-81 (four first grade games), Parramatta 1982 (one game), Western Suburbs 1986-87 (40 games) and South Sydney 1988 (four games). He also spent a season with Lithgow Workmen in 1983 and Merrylands in Parramatta A grade in 1984-85. He died on August 25, aged 65. 

JOE REAICHE, winger or fullback for Eastern Suburbs, Canterbury and South Sydney in 25 first-grade games between 1978 and 1983. A Bondi United junior, Reaiche played 22 games for Easts (1978-79 and 1983), one for the Bulldogs in 1981 and two for the Rabbitohs in 1982. Reaiche’s family returned to their Lebanese homeland when he was 14 and two years later he fought in the country’s bitter civil war. A ceasefire allowed the family to escape to Australia where Reaiche pursued his rugby league dream. In later life he was drawn into a bitter battle with the Church of Scientology in the United States. He died on September 4, aged 66. 

JACK THOMPSON, winger for Western Suburbs in 49 first grade games from 1954 to 1958. Thompson played junior rugby union with Eastwood before playing first grade rugby from 1951-53. He represented New South Wales against Queensland in 1953 before switching codes and joining Western Suburbs the following season. Long after his playing days were over, Thompson was instrumental in the development of a Wests’ Old Boys network, known as the Pratten Park Magpies. Thompson died on September 11, aged 93. 

STEVE BUTLER, fullback or winger for St George in 41 first-grade games from 1977-79. His brief career in the top grade included the historic drawn grand final against Parramatta and victorious grand final replay of 1977 and the Dragons’ 1979 grand final triumph over Canterbury. Newcastle-born, Butler played junior football with Shortland before moving to the St George district and playing with Arncliffe Scots. He died on September 12, aged 71. 

GRAHAM McNEICE, respected documentary maker, sports commentator, presenter and race caller. McNeice presented sport for Channel 10 from 1977 and later led the network’s Olympic coverage from Los Angeles in 1984. He joined Sky Channel as executive producer in 1986 and produced countless documentaries on sport, entertainment and crime. He worked tirelessly to preserve deteriorating footage of rugby league games and produced the notable documentary That’s Rugby League in 1994. He died on September 12, aged 76. 

BARRY VINING, long-serving president of the Newtown Jets (1986-2018), who was a key figure in the Jets remaining viable after they were eliminated from the NSWRL premiership in 1983. With fellow director Terry Rowney, Vining worked for a Newtown team to be included in the NSWRL Metropolitan Cup competition in 1991 before their return to the NSW Cup in 2000. A leading businessman and former mayor of Marrickville (1991-2004), Vining died on September 29, aged 85, after watching the Jets triumph in the NSW Cup grand final against North Sydney. 

RON THORNTON, five-eighth or halfback for Canterbury in 103 first-grade games from 1955-61. Originally from Urunga on the NSW north coast, Thornton played every game at halfback for Canterbury in 1960 as the club returned to the finals after 12 years in the wilderness. He coached second division club Wentworthville in 1963, Canterbury’s reserve grade in 1964 and Harden-Murrumburrah in 1969. Younger brother Brian Thornton played four first-grade games for Canterbury in 1959. Ron died on September 30, aged 92. 

PETER FORD, second-rower for Parramatta in 58 first-grade games 1985-88. Born into a renowned footballing family on the NSW South Coast, Peter was the oldest of four boys who all played with Gerringong. He played first grade with the town from 1980-84, representing Group 7, Southern Division and NSW Country. Among his highlights in four seasons with the Eels’ was an appearance in the 1986 National Panasonic Cup final victory against Balmain. He returned to Gerringong in 1989 before retiring at the end of 1992. He died on October 9, aged 63. 

BRIAN LOCKWOOD, ball-playing English forward who starred for Canterbury and Balmain in the mid-1970s. A long-serving player for Castleford (1965-75), Lockwood played 16 Tests for Great Britain (1972-79) and was renowned for his ball-playing ability. He helped guide a young Canterbury team to a grand final in 1974 and was a leading player in a Balmain team that recovered from a wooden spoon to reach to a semi-final play-off in 1975, before winning pre-season and mid-week titles in 1976 and playing finals in 1977. Lockwood is remembered for his role in a stunning try scored by lock Neil Pringle in Balmain’s Amco Cup win over North Sydney in 1976. He returned to England, playing with Wakefield 1976-77, Hull KR 1978-80, Oldham 1980-81 and Widnes 1981-83. He won Challenge Cup titles with Castleford (1969 and 1970), Hull KR (1980) when he was awarded the Lance Todd Trophy, and Widnes (1981). He died on October 10, aged 78. 

GEORGES AILLÈRES, legendary French second-rower and prop who played 34 Tests for his country between 1961 and 1970. Aillères toured Australia and New Zealand with the French team of 1964, captained France to a famous series win over the Kangaroos in 1967-68 before leading his country to the World Cup final against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1968. Aillères’ son Pierre toured Australia with the French team of 1990. Georges died on October 20, aged 89. 

JOHN GOCHER, first grade referee in 178 games from 1976-86 including the 1982 grand final between Parramatta and Manly. Gocher controlled midweek competition finals in 1981 (Tooth Cup) and 1982 (KB Cup) and was in the centre for the second State of Origin game of 1983. Gocher controlled two Tests between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand (1982-83) and two Tests between France and Great Britain in 1984. He later served as video referee in over 100 NRL games. Gocher died in October, aged 81. 

JOSIAH ABAVU, fullback or winger for Papua New Guinea in three Tests at the 2013 World Cup, and in three games for PNG’s Prime Minister’s XIII against the Australian PM’s XIII from 2011-13. Abavu played for the Port Moresby Vipers in the local Digicel Cup competition and scored a try on his World Cup debut against France in Hull. He died on October 29, aged 38 after a long illness. 
 
ERIC ROBINSON, prominent Indigenous elder and former winger in 42 first-grade games for South Sydney from 1961-64. Bundjalung man born in Hillston in western NSW, Robinson commenced his career as a 15-year-old with Alexandria Rovers before joining Redfern All Blacks. He played first grade at 18 with the Rabbitohs and thrilled crowds with his tryscoring prowess. He later played at Maitland, Brisbane Wests and Bourke before returning to the Redfern All Blacks in the late 1970s. Robinson’s lineage includes notable Rugby League players including son Ricky Walford and grandsons Nathan Merritt and twins Travis and Reece Robinson. He died on November 14, aged 82. 

GRAHAM WILLARD, inaugural coach of the Jillaroos in 1995. A former winger for North Sydney, who played two first-grade games in 1966, Willard relocated to Canberra in the 1970s and became involved in local community sport. He served as vice-president of the ACT Rugby League and also coached the district Under-18s. He encouraged women’s football and was appointed coach of the Australian team for the first series of Tests against New Zealand in 1995. He died on November 18, aged 83. 

KATH WHARTON, second-rower who represented the Kiwi Ferns at two World Cups before appearing for the Warriors in the NRLW Premiership in 2019. Wharton was a member of the Kiwi Ferns’ World Cup-winning squad in 2008 and played in the 2013 World Cup final loss to the Jillaroos. She retired to focus on her career and to raise a family but returned in 2019 to play three NRLW games for the Warriors. A tireless worker for the game in the Northland region, Wharton died on November 21, aged 41. 

PETER LANGMACK, centre or lock for Parramatta and Penrith in 94 first grade games between 1971 and 1978. The older brother of Kangaroo representative Paul Langmack, Peter played juniors with Liverpool City before appearing in 37 first grade games for the Eels (1971-72 and 1977-78) and 57 for the Panthers (1974-76). He remains the only player to score five tries in a game for Penrith, achieving the feat playing lock against St George in 1974. He died on December 4, aged 73. 

SHAUN WENDT, long-serving operations official for the National Rugby League between 1998 and 2024. Wendt was general manager of football, venues and broadcaster relations after serving in various operational roles. The respected official was on the front line through the COVID pandemic, liaising with players on game day to ensure compliance of strict health and safety protocols. He died on December 4, aged 61.