Vale Jack Danzey

It is with great sadness to report that one of our Association’s greats Jack Danzey #634 has passed away.

Jack began his refereeing career after a successful playing career in the Newtown District Junior Rugby League. He was subsequently graded to referee in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL), gaining his first first-grade match in 1973. He went on to control over 170 1st grade matches in an active career that lasted until 1983.

Jack was ranked as the top referee for extended periods, refereeing numerous televised matches-of-the-round, the City vs Country match in 1978 and 1982, New South Wales vs Queensland (1978, 1980) and semi-finals (1977, 1978, 1980, 1982).

Jack officiated as a replacement touch judge in the 1977 grand final replay. Touch judge Brian Barry was felled by a projectile thrown from the crowd. Jack, who had controlled the earlier reserve grade grand final and was the standby referee, finished the first grade game as a touch judge.

Jack retired as a referee in 1983. He subsequently went on to become Referees’ Co-ordinator for the NSWRL.

Jack is survived married by wife Kay and six children.

Away from rugby league, Jack was a physical education and careers teacher at Dulwich High School, Birrong Boys High School and Burwood Girls High School.

Jack was an extremely popular and respected member who always gave his time and wisdom to younger referees. He will be greatly missed.

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