Billy a Safe Pair of Hands at Fullback

Northern Sydney Welfare Officers Norm Pounder and Ken Vessey recently paid a visit to catch up with ex Manly Warringah District RLF Club player and Men of League Member Bill Denoon and his charming wife Kaye. Bill and Kaye have been married for 48 years.

Bill was graded in 1963 with Manly Warringah and retired from grade rugby league in 1968. All through those years he was the understudy for the highly regarded 1st grade fullback Bobby Batty. Bobby was renowned for missing very few games; consequently Bill became Manly Warringah First Grade Player Number 182 and played 2 x 1st grade games in 1968 plus numerous matches in 3rd and Reserve grades. Bill and Norm reminisced how they played grade rugby league together when Norm was graded in 1966.

Upon retiring from grade rugby league in 1968, Bill played in the local Manly Warringah Junior Rugby League competition for Valley United and they won the A Grade competition. His junior clubs in the Manly Warringah District Junior League were Harbord Diggers and Harbord JRL Clubs.
 
Bill is now retired from being a Fireman, is content to spend his days with Kaye, their 2 sons and 1 daughter along with their 6 grandchildren (2 boys and 4 girls) and of course watching the Sea Eagles rugby league team at every opportunity. For interest sake Kaye’s father the late Bill Lloyd (Life Member of Manly Warringah RL Football Club) for many years was the ground announcer at Brookvale Oval for junior rugby league games and her brother the late Bill Lloyd played a total of 91 x 1st grade games for Manly Warringah during 1955-1960 as a centre and was recognised for cement like defence and skilful attack.
 
We presented Bill with a Men of League polo shirt and cap in appreciation for his services and support to rugby league and especially the Manly Warringah RLF Club. We wished him continued good health and in return Bill was most thankful for our visit, the gifts and wished the Men of League continued success.
 
Bill was asked one final question – who was his favourite NRL rugby league player and he replied immediately “every Sea Eagles player because they are all good”!!!!
 
Ken Vessey