Vale – Paul Quinn

Vale – Paul Quinn

VALE – PAUL QUINN (18 July 1934 – 19 June 2015)

Talented front rower, Paul Quinn, became Gerringong’s first Rugby League Test player on 27 July 1963 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

With Reg Gasnier as captain, the Australians defeated South Africa, 54-21. His first Test capped an amazing 1963 for Paul, as he represented South Coast, Group 7, Country Firsts and NSW on the way to his Test debut.

Two months after the South African Test, the likeable forward was selected to tour with the history making 1963 Kangaroos, who became the first Australian team to win the Ashes in England. The 1911 Kangaroos had also won the series in England but they included several New Zealanders. On the Kangaroo tour, Paul played two Tests against Great Britain, one with France and 17 other tour games. He played his seventh and final Test at Carlaw Park in Auckland against New Zealand on 26 June 1965. Including his seven Tests, Paul played 27 games for Australia, scoring one try. As well as the 1963 Kangaroo tour to England and France, Paul went to New Zealand with the 1965 Australian team.

After returning home with the 1963 Kangaroos, Paul joined the Newtown club in 1964. In four seasons with the Bluebags, Paul played 65 first grade matches. In 1969, he returned to South Coast football as captain/coach of the St. Michaels club. He moved to Queanbeyan in 1970 as captain/coach and remained in the Canberra district after finishing his playing career, working as a sports journalist and radio sports commentator.

Paul began his football as a 15 year old with the Gerringong club juniors (under 18) in 1950 and the next year was five eighth in Gerringong’s Premiership winning junior team. On 3 May 1952, although still only 17, he made his first grade debut at Jamberoo against the locals as a halfback. Paul continued with Gerringong firsts until 1963 and in his 14 seasons, he played well over 100 first grade games and was a member of first grade Grand Final Premiership winning teams in 1956 and 1960.

Paul is survived by his children Tony, Gerard, Greg, Peter and Catherine. His wife, Rona, passed away a couple of years ago, while one son, Michael, is also deceased.

Paul’s funeral will be held at 11am this Friday 26 June, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church at Curtin in Canberra.  

Rest In Peace Paul.