I'm a Wests fan and I was horribly saddened to hear about Thommo. He left 101% on the field every match. He was a bloke you just could not hate and wished you had at your club.
John Peard has some ripper tales about Artie in his autobiography. One time they were driving out to a league function out bush (this was after they'd both retired). Whilst talking Peard asked him "Arthur, if the world was going to end in 30 minutes, what would you do?" To which Arthur said "Hmm, John, I'd make love to the first thing that moved. What would you do?" Peard replied "Arthur, I'd sit very still for the next 30 minutes".
I was always a fan of Steve Folkes,wasn't the biggest backrower but he sure could tackle. and he seemed like a nice guy.
I don't think I've heard a bad word said about him at any club he was at. May not have always had the best success on the field with his teams as a coach, but certainly knew how to bring his playing group together on the whole. Arthur Beetson said that during his time as Recruitment Manager at the Roosters, Graham was the only one who worked closely with him in terms of what he wanted.
Roger Millward, died in 2016 at age 68 after many years battle with cancer. My childhood hero, legend in East Hull and forever remembered with the main stand at Hull KR named after him. RIP Roger the Dodger https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2016/05/25/roger-millward-rugby-league-player--obituary/
Sonny Fai, taken way way too soon, he was only just 20, very talented, Warriors have certainly missed him, died a hero, his last act was to save his young brother from also drowning. It has been 10 years, 4th January 2009, RIP.
Anyone mentioned Sludge Rogers? His life was full of tragedy. Amazing how you miss this guys even though they didn't play for my club.
The great man was the sole reason I started playing League back in the early 70’s as a 7 year old. I cried like a baby when I heard of his passing. He meant a lot to me and still does. I even named my dog Beetson in his honour. Great thread too.
I think Ben kicked the winning field goal in that game. He would’ve been a great successor to Royce Simmons. A big part of Penrith died the day Ben passed away. RIP Ben
I don't recall Ben playing firsts that day, think he played in reserves, mostly remember Easts leading 10-8 after Jeff Orford scored a brilliant try then from the kick off Craig Salvotori was in possession of the ball and he head butted a Penrith player and was sent off, Easts were rudderless after that and Penrith won 23-10 but yes that all paled into insignificance when the news of Bens death broke not long after.
Ron Saddler, became the first indigenous player to captain NSW. I can remember when I was very young and my father used to take me the football in the 60s and even though I wasn't interested in it at time I can remember a game at the Sports Ground where a player broke clear[ think it was a South player] and this Roosters player just came from nowhere and nailed him in a perfect text book tackle and drove him straight across the side line, that was Ron Saddler and he became a favourite of mine after that. He passed away after a long battle with dementia in 2016.
