MICHAEL Cronin was one of the greatest centres of all-time. Four premierships, back-to-back Rothmans Medals, rugby league hall of fame, NSW, Australia.
If it wasn’t though for former Parramatta coach Terry Fearnley, Gerringong-based Cronin would never have played in Sydney.
“He was certainly persistent,” Cronin said.
Cronin yesterday offered a touching tribute to Fearnley, who passed away yesterday morning aged 81 after a long and brave battle with cancer.
Fearnley coached NSW, Australia, Parramatta, Wests, Cronulla and Illawarra after a 139-game playing career with Easts. He guided NSW to the Blues’ first Origin title in 1985.
“If it wasn’t for Terry I would never have come to Sydney,” Cronin admitted. “He was most insistent. He always said he was a salesman.
“After 18 months he wore me down. He kept coming back after I said ‘no’ a lot. I owe Terry everything. He doesn’t owe me anything. He was such a great coach.”
Former Parramatta Rugby League Coach Terry Fearnley has died at 81.
Fearnley took Parramatta to the 1976 and 1977 grand finals, losing both, the ’77 decider in a replay. He famously dropped four Queenslanders, including Wally Lewis, during Australia’s controversial tour of New Zealand in 1985. The decision split the Australian camp - animosity between the two states remains to this day.
“Terry taught us all how to be professional about the game,” said former Parramatta prop Geoff Gerard.
“For the young kids, he was a coach who had played the game, and brought with him what it meant to be a professional athlete. He was the first to talk to us about diet, doing additional training, and he was someone who had respect of all the players and staff.”
Eels Chairman Steve Sharp added: “Many of the players of our golden era owe their start and their development to Terry.
“He was fundamental to the history of the Parramatta Eels as our first grand final coach, he set the platform for an era when the Eels played in seven grand finals between 1976 and 1986. Terry was a gentleman and very well respected, and the club is saddened to hear of his passing.”
Fearnley also coached Australia in 1977 World Series.
The SCG and Sports Ground Trust yesterday joined the rugby league community in mourning.
“Terry is forever part of the history of rugby league here at the SCG and Allianz Stadium through his deeds as a player and a coach,” SCG and Sports Ground Trust Chairman Tony Shepherd said.
“It was Terry who coached NSW to their first State of Origin series win in 1985 after Queensland’s early domination. On a wet night at the SCG, his NSW side sealed that first series victory with a 21-14 win in front of a crowd of more than 39,000 people.”
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