Vale – Ron Boden

Born 16 October 1936
Passed Away 24 August 2015

1959 Kangaroo, Ron Boden, passed away yesterday, aged 78.

Born in Coonamble, Ron played football in many different parts of Australia. A versatile player, Ron could handle any backline position. His first big break came when, as an 18 year old centre, he represented Western Division against the Frenchmen at Parkes on 20 July 1955. The legendary Duncan Thompson was quick to realise the ability of the young back and took him to Toowoomba the next year to join the local Valleys club.

Ron played six matches for Queensland and later, three games for NSW. In 1959, he played a major role in Queensland’s series win over NSW. He was selected to tour with the 1959 Kangaroos from Queensland.

Ron had some minor injury problems on tour but he played 13 games and scored five tries. He played three Tests, two against the touring French side in 1960 and later the same year, against Great Britain at Bradford on 8 October 1960 in the 10-3 World Cup loss.

The 1959 Kangaroo tour was special to Ron for many reasons. He met a pretty Lancashire lass from Southport named Marie and the couple were married for 53 years.

After returning from the Kangaroo tour, Ron joined the Parramatta club for the 1960 season. In his four years with the Eels, he played 39 first grade games, scoring nine tries and was captain/coach in 1961.

At the end of 1960, he went to England with Australia’s 1960 World Cup team. While in England for the World Cup, he represented the Rest of the World against Great Britain on 10 October 1960 at Bradford.

Ron coached Taree United to the 1971 Group 3 Premiership and Taree Old Bar to the 1978 title.

Altogether, Ron played 18 matches for Australia, including his three Tests. He played a non-Test international against France at Toulouse on 16 October 1960.

Ron is survived by his wife Marie, his five children Ferne, Michael, Rhonnie, Karen and Melissa, along with his eight grandchildren.

He spent the last years of his life on the Central Coast near Wyong. The funeral is on Monday 31 August at 1pm at St Cecelias, Byron Street Wyong.