A visit to Eric Sladden

John Peard, Alan Webb and Warren Thompson recently visited former Souths and Norths outstanding winger Eric Sladden in Prince of Wales Hospital.

 Eric had been admitted after experiencing a fall at his home. He has not been well previous to that and his good mate Harry Nathan advised the Men of League Foundation and a visit was organised.
 
We all enjoyed talking about Eric’s great achievements. He still holds the record of most tries in a game for the Rabbitohs (5) along with Ian Moir, Johnny Graves, Harold Horder and in more recent seasons Nathan Merritt.
 
He recalled in the second round against Parramatta in 1957 he finished with 5 tries. The other wingman the flying Ian Moir scored 4 tries in the same game at Cumberland Oval. The following week Eric crossed for another three tries against Canterbury at Belmore Sports ground. After five seasons at Souths he joined North Sydney and played with the Bears from 1962 to 1967. All up Eric played 163 games for both foundation clubs and scored a total of 80 tries.
 
We had the privilege of meeting Mrs Esme Sladden – Eric’s charming wife and she told us about the many friends and great social times the couple enjoyed over the years.
 
The yarns and stories were plentiful with Peardy as usual in fine form. Eric was presented with a Rabbitoh’s cap and a Men of League Polo shirt.
 
Warren Thompson
Sydney Metro Committee