Vale Terry Fearnley (1933 – 2015)

Born 21 July 1933, passed away 4 March 2015

One of Rugby League’s true gentlemen, Terry Fearnley, passed away on Wednesday 4 March, aged 81. He had been involved in our game for around 40 years, first as a long term player with Eastern Suburbs and then moving on to a successful coaching career.

Born in the Marrickville area, Terry began playing the game as a schoolboy and came into grade with Easts in 1953. He made his first grade debut as a front rower, at the old Sports Ground on 3 July 1954 in the 17-9 loss to the Tigers. In those days front rowers did not score too many tries and Terry had to wait until the next season, when he crossed for his first top grade try at the old Sports Ground on 24 July 1955 in the 34-0 drubbing of Canterbury. After 11 seasons with Easts, 10 in the top grade, Terry had 139 first grade matches to his credit. He played first grade in 1954-55, then left the club in 1956 to play with the Wollongong club, but came back in 1957, where he stayed until the end of the 1964 season. On 23 June 1960, he played for NSW against Queensland in Brisbane. He also played for Sydney Colts in July 1955, in their narrow 28-26 loss to France.

A close friend of Team of the Century coach, Jack Gibson, from their early days together in grade football with Easts, Terry began coaching with Jack in 1974, in reserve grade at Easts. He joined the Parramatta club in 1975, where he coached the reserves to the Premiership. The next year he became first grade coach and guided the Eels to their initial first grade Grand Final, where they were narrowly beaten 13-10 by Manly. The next year, Terry took Parramatta to their second Grand Final where they drew 9-all with St. George, but lost the replay the following week. Under Terry, Parramatta reached the semi finals in 1978 and 1979, as well as establishing themselves as one of the game’s best teams.

After leaving the Eels at the end of 1979, Terry had a break, returning in 1982 with the Wests Magpies, taking them to the semi finals. Next came Cronulla for two years in 1983 and while at the Sharks, he showed what a genuine man he was. When the players were told they were to have a pay cut because of the club’s poor financial state, Terry insisted he too, take a pay cut. His last coaching job was in 1988 when he took charge of the Illawarra Steelers. Altogether with his four clubs, Terry coached 200 first grade games.

Terry coached NSW to their first State of Origin series win in 1985, while he also coached the Blues in 1977. He was also Australian coach in 1977 and 1985. In 1985, Terry was the Australian coach for the tour of New Zealand.

Terry has three daughters and 11 grandchildren. At this stage the funeral details are not known but it will probably be next week. When these details have been confirmed, they will be put on our website.