Former Newtown Jets halfback Ken ‘Squeaker’ Wilson has died after a prolonged battle with most cancers leaving the rugby league group shattered.
Wilson famously kicked the profitable discipline objective when the Jets beat the Dragons 1-0 in 1973 within the lowest scoring recreation of rugby league in historical past that did not finish in a 0-0 draw.
He was well-known for his inventive kicking recreation and resilience in one of many hardest eras of the game within the Nineteen Seventies and Eighties.
Wilson was a life member of the Newtown Jets and has left the membership in mourning after he died following a size battle with most cancers
WIlson performed 150 video games for Newtown, with 447 targets, 25 tries and 1001 factors. He additionally added one other 44 video games with the Penrith Panthers the place he kicked 117 targets and scored seven tries.
His well-known discipline objective towards the Dragons got here after he had been on the sector for simply 13 seconds and he was additionally on the pitch for Newtown’s closing ever recreation in prime grade towards Wests at Campbelltown the place the Jets received 9-6.
Wilson additionally performed alongside Tommy Raudonikis throughout the membership’s 1981 grand closing loss to Parramatta on the SCG.
He was identified with most cancers three years in the past and in the end succumbed to pancreatic most cancers simply earlier than Christmas.
‘The physician is telling me there is not any extra remedy,’ he advised Information Corp after two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy.
‘However please do not write that I am complaining. I’ve had an excellent 71 years and I would not change a factor.’
Legendary rugby league coach, administrator and commentator Phil Gould led the tributes for Wilson on-line.
‘So unhappy to listen to of the passing of my mate, rugby league legend, Ken Wilson. Phrases don’t do justice to explain the person that he was, or what he meant to me, my life and profession. Very, very unhappy immediately. RIP Kenny. Champion man,’ he wrote.
Wilson scored over 1000 factors for the Newtown Jets of their heyday and performed within the membership’s final ever match in first grade
The membership additionally issued an announcement following Wilson’s passing.
‘The Newtown Jets are deeply saddened to listen to concerning the passing of membership legend and life member, Ken Wilson,’ the assertion learn.
”Squeaker’ was universally liked by followers and gamers alike, and everybody on the membership will miss him.
‘We ship our deepest condolences to his spouse Christine and all his household and buddies.’
Rugby league author and broadcaster Mark Warren additionally added his tribute for Wilson from his days masking the Jets.
‘A terrific RL gentleman has left us for increased floor. Ten Bells for Mr. Ken Wilson whom I received to know effectively throughout my Metro Cup years. Gamers he coached & his many teammates are mourning immediately though no extra ache. 150 video games The Jets & 44 The Panthers,’ he tweeted.
Rugby league followers have been fast to publish their tributes for Wilson on-line as effectively on listening to the information of his demise.
‘Very unhappy information. We have been lately made conscious of his well being battle. He had an excellent perspective. RIP Kenny Wilson,’ one posted.
‘RIP Squeaker, nice participant, pure Bluebag spirit,’ added one other.
‘Oh no. That’s so unhappy. What an excellent bloke. RIP Kenny,’ posted one other.
