Brian Moore’s Service by Barry Ross

The NSW Police Force provided a guard of honour for Brian Moore’s coffin at the Eastern Suburbs Crematorium, today Friday 31 October. The 1967 Kangaroo passed away on Saturday 25 October, aged 70.

A policeman for nearly 30 years, Brian served in uniform, as a detective, an instructor at the Police Academy and finally at the Newtown Police Boys Club. In early 2011, Brian was presented with a Police Medal by Commissioner, Andrew Scipione.

The respect, which Brian enjoyed in the game of Rugby League and the community in general, was reflected by the attendance at today’s funeral. The chapel was overflowing, while many people stood outside. Among those present at today’s service were John Singleton, along with Rugby League Immortals and Team of the Century members, John Raper and Graeme Langlands.

Former NSW fullback and Newtown team-mate of Brian’s, Allan Maddalena, flew from Hawaii to pay his respects. Some of Brian’s other Newtown team-mates present were Bob Lanigan, Bob Keyes, Brian Wakefield, Kevin Considine, Doug Coleman, Clarrie Jeffries, John McDonald, Phil Flack, Reg Hatton, Col Murphy, Phil Sigsworth and Tony Reid. Bob McCarthy (15 Tests), Les Johns (14
Tests) and Brian James (1 Test) were also in the chapel, as were Barry Ross, Gary Breasley, Terry Williams, Glen “Bumper ” Dwyer, Jim Hall and boxing legend, Johnny Lewis.

While giving the Eulogy, Brian’s brother, Colin, brought back many humorous memories for the gathering, as he told tales about his much loved older brother.

“He loved Rugby League,” remembered Colin “and he would play anywhere he could get a jersey.”

“When he was only 15 he was offered two pounds a game plus two bottles of beer, if he would play for St. Peters.”

“Brian pocketed the money, while Dad drank the beer.”

After the service, many of the attendees, enjoyed more memories of Chicka, as Brian was know, at the Henson Park Hotel. This was the ideal setting to hold Brian’s wake, as it is only a stone’s throw from Henson Park, where he scored numerous tries in his 11 seasons with the Bluebags, who are now known as the Newtown Jets.

A member of the Newtown Team of the Century and the NSW Police Team of the Century, Brian will long be remembered.