Vale Paul Zenthon

Born 9 March 1958. Passed away 26 January 2018

Men of League Foundation member number 14,964

Zenny, as he was widely and affectionately known, was one of rugby league’s true servants and a great bloke to be around. Zen loved the game and from player to coach, and to supporter; rugby league was an integral part of his life.

Paul was living with 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 into 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.

Zenny leaves behind his wife Sandra, two children and eight grandchildren.

Sandra and family nominated the Men of League Foundation as the beneficiary of all donations at Paul’s funeral after the wonderful support given to them by our Newcastle Hunter Committee Wellbeing Officers.

Rest in peace Zenny.