Newcastle rugby league champ’s lifelong involvement in the game

Our Newcastle Hunter Men of League Foundation Wellbeing Officers recently visited Paul Zenthon at his home in Stockton.

Paul has had cancer for a period of time and was thrilled to see the volunteers and talk about the old times. Paul started playing rugby league in Sydney in 1963 with Balmain juniors at the age of five before moving to Lake Macquarie in the Newcastle area and playing for Warners Bay High and Lakes United.

In Lakes under 19s, he was named Player of the Year in 1977.

The following year, Paul went in to grade and won the third grade Grand Final. He then played in in First Grade the following two years before moving to Waratah First Grade for a couple of years. Later, he played as a player/player coach in Dunedoo and Lakes United.

He also represented Newcastle Second Division against France and Country from Swansea United, Central Charlestown, Branxton and Stockton. After he retired as a player in 1992, he continued to give back to rugby league by coaching various junior and senior teams until 2012.

In 2010, Paul helped to create the ‘Harry’s House’ charity shield rugby league and rugby union old boys match played at Stockton each year raising invaluable funds for the charity. Harry’s House Retreat is available for families with children living with cancer- a tremendous effort on Paul’s behalf.

Our volunteers were enthralled by the tale of Paul’s life and wish him the very best for his health in future.