A visit to Merv Lees

Welfare Officers, John Peard and Alan Webb had the pleasure of visiting Merv Lees at The Palms, Nursing Home, in Kirrawee on Friday 17th June, 2016. Merv commenced his league career with Banksia Waratahs then moved to Arncliffe Scots in the St. George juniors before being graded with St. George.


Image: John Peard, Merv Lees and Graham Renkema. 

A centre, Merv played in the 1956 grand final for St. George against Balmain. In that era there were no replacements and Merv broke his collarbone but the mighty Dragons battled on with 12 men to win the match 18-12, to start their run of  11 consecutive premierships. Merv played wth St. George from 1953 – 1958 and during this time he represented City and NSW.

He informed us that he was a member of the NSW team that played Great Britain in the infamous game at the SCG which was abandoned by referee Aub Oxford in 1956. Merv also informed us that he was Captain coach of Leeton for 3 years and had a year at Parkes.

In the late 60’s he coached Arncliffe Scots reserve grade in the former 2nd Division Competition with his great late mate Ross Kite coaching the first grade side.

Merv still enjoys a beer with his mates and thanks to the Sharks courtesy bus he regularly attends Cronulla Leagues Club for a drink and a yarn with his mates. He also attends the Men of League functions conducted by Southern Sydney branch.

We were able to give Merv a Men of League Polo shirt, St. George Dragons cap, t-shirt and a Dragons coffee mug. John said “you can enjoy your coffee in that mug”. Merv replied “A Tooheys would be better!”

Alan Webb, Welfare Officer Sydney Metro & Southern Sydney.

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