VALE FRED JONES Men of League Member #1749

9/12/1942 – 20/3/2021

The Australian Rugby League Community loss one of their favourite sons with the sad passing of Fred Jones, aged 78 years old on the 20/3/2021. Fred had not been well for some time and he died
peacefully at a Narrabeen Nursing Home, close to his family home. Fred was certainly a gentleman and a real character, who was liked by everyone he met even including his opposing players especially arch hooker rival deceased Ross Warner, North Sydney Bears.

He achieved so much in his rugby league career as a highly skilled hooker, in the days when a hooker had to strike for the ball to win the scrum. He came through the Manly Warringah Junior
League and went onto become the 140th 1ST Grade player for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Club Captained the Club’s 1ST Grade Premiership Winning Team in 1972 and again in 1973, in total he played 241 x 1ST grade games from 1961-1963 and in 1965- 1975. On the representative scene he played 4 x matches for NSW from 1968 and in 1968 played for Australia in 3 x Test and 3 x World Cup matches. In 1974 he became the first Manly player to be granted a Testimonial Season and upon his retirement he became the Manly Club’s first active Life Member in 1975.
Fred was a tireless Volunteer for many years for the Men of League Foundation both in the Northern Beaches, Sydney and the Illawarra area, where he held Executive positions on the local
Men of League Committee. The Foundation is indebted to Fred for his support and we will sadly miss his presence and friendship.

Our deepest condolences go to Fred’s loving wife Lyn, daughter Danielle and Members of the Family and to the countless people that had the pleasure to meet, know and share his priceless company. It is not hard to imagine both Fred and Ross Warner locking horns very shortly in game and renewing where they left off in their last game against each other.

RIP FRED – YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN