Vale – Allan Mason
Vale – Allan Mason
Allan Mason, born 3 July, 1934 passed away 29 December 2014.
Allan Mason who was born and bred in Balmain, commenced his rugby league career in the junior ranks of his beloved Balmain area. Allan also played grade cricket for Balmain, Water Polo for Balmain and competitive sailing at Drummoyne. He played 13 games for Canterbury 1954-55. He then returned to his hometown Balmain, playing more than 50 first grade games, 1956-62.
Versatility was one of Allan’s strengths as a player. He could slot into half-back, five-eight, centre or fullback. It was, however, in the pivot role he revelled, winning the clubs Best Back award for the 1959 season. A career highlight for Allan was playing in the 1956 grand final against St. George who were in the midst of their golden run of premierships.
After finishing his First Grade career at Balmain, he Captained/Coached Canberra. He also Captained/Coached representative Monaro against South Africa and France in 1963. Allan returned to Balmain and coached their 3rd grade/Under 23’s sides for a number of seasons, including the inaugural Under 23’s premiership title in 1973. In 1974 he coached the Balmain First Grade side.
Allan was also a committee man and a Director of Balmain Rugby Leagues Club, and a Life member holding Balmain Rugby League club # 2 member badge.
In 1975 he experienced a workplace accident where he incurred a traumatic brain injury. Allan could no longer coach professional grade rugby league. He did however, assist the coaching team of Holy Cross College Ryde. He was honoured with a Balmain Tigers Centenary Medal in 2008 as part of the 100 year anniversary of rugby league in Australia and the Balmain football club.
Allan and his wife Patricia, who passed away in 2000, moved from Balmain to the south coast of NSW in 1990. He was a loving father to their daughter Adrienne, who moved to the south coast to be his sole carer for fourteen and a half years following the passing of his wife Patricia in 2000.
Allan passed away at his home in North Nowra. Family and friends attended his Requiem Mass and funeral Rite at St. Michaels Catholic Church Nowra on 5th January 2015. Some of his beloved Balmain players he coached were his pallbearers, which he would have dearly loved and been very grateful for.
