In a heartfelt tribute, David Middleton, the esteemed historian and author of the 2025 Rugby League Annual, honors the cherished members of the rugby league community who passed away over the past year. These individuals, each leaving behind a legacy of passion and dedication to the sport, are remembered for their contributions both on and off the field.
Gary Stevens: A South Sydney Stalwart
Gary Stevens, a formidable second-rower known for his fitness and defensive prowess, was a key figure in South Sydney’s champion teams of the late 1960s and early 70s. Born in Pagewood, Stevens followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, former Test forward Arthur Oxford. He made his mark with South Sydney, playing 161 first-grade games and securing grand final victories in 1970 and 1971.
Stevens’ international career was equally impressive. He debuted for Australia in the 1972 World Cup and played in the Ashes-winning series against Great Britain in 1974. He retired after playing for Canterbury in the late 1970s and was later named a Life Member of the Rabbitohs. Stevens passed away on January 29, 2025, after a long illness, aged 81.
Bob Hagan: A Versatile Career
Bob Hagan’s rugby league journey took him from player to coach and administrator. Born in Warwick, Hagan rose to prominence in Brisbane before representing Australia in 1962. His career included a stint in England, where he experienced the limited tackle rule, a precursor to modern rugby league.
Hagan’s administrative prowess shone as CEO of Canterbury from 1995 to 2002. He passed away on the Sunshine Coast on February 2, 2025, aged 85, leaving a legacy of leadership and innovation in the sport.
Alan Gil: A Pioneer from Cairns
Alan Gil, the first player from Cairns to represent Australia, was a trailblazer for Far North Queensland rugby league. His career included representing Queensland and playing in Australia’s Test team during the 1962 Ashes series.
Gil continued to contribute to the sport as a coach and manager, nurturing young talent in Cairns. He passed away on March 19, 2025, aged 86, remembered for his pioneering spirit and dedication to the game.
Dick Poole: A World Cup Winning Captain
Dick Poole’s leadership was instrumental in Australia’s 1957 World Cup victory. Despite challenges, Poole’s captaincy led to dominant performances against New Zealand, Great Britain, and France, securing Australia’s first World Cup title.
Poole’s career included 115 first-grade games for Newtown and Western Suburbs. He passed away on June 6, 2025, aged 94, celebrated as one of Australia’s greatest footballers.
Sam Backo: A Force on the Field
Sam Backo, a towering front-rower from Ingham, made a significant impact with the Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos. Known for his attacking prowess, Backo was a key player in Queensland’s State of Origin victories and Australia’s Ashes series win in 1988.
Backo’s contributions extended beyond the field, advocating for Indigenous rights in North Queensland. He passed away on August 3, 2025, aged 54, after battling health issues, leaving behind a legacy of strength and advocacy.
Johnny Mayes: Timing and Talent
Johnny Mayes’ career was marked by strategic moves that led to premiership victories with Manly and Eastern Suburbs. Despite missing out on the 1973 Kangaroos, Mayes’ form earned him a place in Australia’s 1975 World Series squad.
Mayes continued to influence the game as a coach, leading Norths Newcastle to a premiership. He passed away on July 30, 2025, aged 78, remembered for his timing and talent on the field.
In Memoriam: Other Notable Figures
- Max Ferguson: A dedicated lock forward for Parramatta, passed away on January 8, aged 94.
- Les Geeves: A hooker for Norths Brisbane, known for his Bulimba Cup performances, passed away on January 10, aged 84.
- Kerry Buckeridge: A television commentator who helped launch the Amco Cup, passed away on February 12, aged 85.
- Noel Solomon: A versatile player for North Sydney and North Queensland, passed away on February 13, aged 53.
- Ed Farish: Former CFO of the NRL, passed away on February 14, aged 63.
- Bill Heidke: A promising halfback for North Sydney, passed away on January 17, aged 63.
- John Floyd: A hooker for North Sydney Bears, passed away on February 24, aged 81.
- Roger Buttenshaw: A five-eighth for Western Suburbs, passed away on March 5, aged 89.
- Jack Jeffries: A hooker known for his motivational tactics, passed away on March 14, aged 68.
- Doug Laughton: A celebrated second-rower for Great Britain, passed away on March 16, aged 80.
- Robert Piva: A prop forward for North Queensland, passed away on March 24, aged 58.
- Percy Knight: A talented five-eighth for Balmain and Canberra, passed away on April 6, aged 70.
- Dennis Lee: A front-rower for South Sydney, passed away on April 6, aged 81.
- Dr. John Mayhew ONZM: A respected club doctor, passed away on April 9, aged 70.
- Ron Sigsworth: A fullback for Newtown and Canberra, passed away on April 28, aged 63.
- Terry Welsh: A hooker for Newtown, passed away on May 1, aged 72.
- Don Hobson: A second-rower for Canterbury and Penrith, passed away in May, aged 72.
- Derek Hallas: An English-born centre for Parramatta, passed away on May 12, aged 89.
- Alf Hemsworth: A fullback for Parramatta, passed away on May 18, aged 92.
- Bruce Olive: A respected prop forward, passed away on May 22, aged 94.
- Fred Strutt: A versatile player for St George and Eastern Suburbs, passed away on May 24, aged 85.
- Greg Heddles: A second-rower for Parramatta, passed away on May 25, aged 69.
- Russell Mullins: A winger for Western Suburbs and Penrith, passed away on June 23, aged 72.
- Fred Gardner Jnr: A prop for St George, passed away on July 13, aged 93.
- Danny Peacock: A fullback and winger, passed away on July 24, aged 57.
- Ray French MBE: A dual rugby international and commentator, passed away on July 26, aged 85.
- Neville Kesha: A respected New Zealand referee, passed away on July 29, aged 81.
- Ray Millington: A versatile athlete, passed away on July 19, aged 93.
- Gary Prickett: A hooker for Wests Brisbane, passed away on July 20, aged 70.
- Robin Whitfield: A renowned English referee, passed away on July 20, aged 81.
- Michael Tilse: A prop forward for North Sydney and Canberra, passed away on August 4, aged 67.
- Bill ‘Bozo’ Jones: A prop or hooker for Parramatta, passed away on August 3, aged 84.
- Gus Miller: A legendary figure on the NSW South Coast, passed away on August 4, aged 99.
- Tom Whitehouse: A prop forward for Parramatta, passed away on August 14, aged 87.
- Stan Martin: A prominent player agent and hooker, passed away on September 10, aged 72.
- Wayne Beavis: A pioneering player agent, passed away on September 14, aged 73.
- Mike Jackson: An English winger for Parramatta, passed away on September 3, aged 87.
- Mick McGee: A halfback for Canterbury, passed away in September, aged 91.
- Peter Ryan: A lock forward for Newtown and Parramatta, passed away on September 21, aged 91.
- Johnny Dougherty: A five-eighth for South Sydney, passed away on September 27, aged 94.
- Mick Alchin: A winger for Western Suburbs and Eastern Suburbs, passed away on September 30, aged 82.
- Paul Cummings: An administrator for Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, passed away on October 9, aged 84.
- Ray Connelly: A long-serving clubman for St George, passed away on October 14, aged 78.
- John Bell: A prop forward for Eastern Suburbs, passed away on October 17, aged 95.
- Kevin Brasch AM: A former halfback and administrator, passed away on October 23, aged 91.
- Cliff Cartwright: A prop forward for Penrith, passed away on October 25, aged 60.
- John Farragher OAM: A prop forward for Penrith, passed away on November 1, aged 68.
- Graham Richardson AO: An influential Labor politician, passed away on November 8, aged 76.
- Johannes Logan: A promising young player for South Sydney, passed away on November 15, aged 19.
- Joe Walsh: A second-rower for Balmain, passed away on November 18, aged 79.
- Greg Hyde: A fullback for Parramatta, passed away on November 20, aged 82.
The rugby league community mourns the loss of these remarkable individuals, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the sport. Their contributions will be remembered and cherished by fans and players alike, as their legacies continue to inspire future generations.
