Era ends as Arko cuts ties
By Ray Chesterton
August 17, 2004
RUGBY league's most recognised administrator Ken Arthurson is cutting his last link with the game he has served for 50 years.
Arthurson, 75, will step down as chairman of Manly Leagues Club next month, ending three consecutive decades in the job during a career that established him as the most powerful man in the game.
"I don't want to be one of those old blokes who just hangs on and hangs on," Arthurson said. "I'm happy to let other people have a go."
Arthurson, who now spends much of his time on the Gold Coast, said he could no longer do the job justice.
"I'm very much a hands-on type of administrator," he said. "It's not fair to Manly for me to try and do the job from here." His decision to step down ends the administrative career of one of the most historic leaders the game has known.
Arthurson, Manly's halfback in the 1951 grand final, suffered a skull fracture that forced his retirement when playing for Parkes a few years later, pushing him into administration.
Initially a committeeman with Manly, Arthurson rose quickly to become the second full-time CEO of a rugby league club in 1963. His skilled negotiations brought big names like Souths' John O'Neill and Ray Branighan to the club, paving the way for Manly's first premiership in 1972.
They won again in 1973, 1976, 1978 and 1987. After 20 years as CEO Arthurson became chairman of the Australian Rugby League.
The Daily Telegraph
