NRL Hall of Fame member, Western Suburbs Magpies great and NRL Team of the Century member Noel Kelly has died, aged 84.
The legendary hard man played 28 Tests for the Kangaroos and three NSWRL grand finals for his beloved Western Suburbs Magpies, where he built a formidable reputation over 111 games.
On Sunday night ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said Kelly will be remembered as one of rugby league’s greatest players.
“He was the first front rower to tour with the Kangaroos three times on the 1959-60, 1963-64 and 1967-68 tours, a feat that will forever be etched in rugby league history,” V’landys said.
Another Western Suburbs legend departs. Named hooker & captain of the Magpies greatest ever team, along with being selected in the QLD & Australian teams of the century in 2008. Played in the 1961, 1962 & 1963 GFs, 3 Kangaroo tours & Hall of Famer. Rest in Peace, Noel Kelly. pic.twitter.com/UDVBquM4kW
— That's Rugby League (@RugbyLeagueGold) June 14, 2020
“A deserved member of the National Rugby League Hall of Fame, ‘Ned’ as he was fondly known, was an uncompromising forward.
“As tough as they came, he was sent off 17 times playing for his beloved Wests.
“His send-off 90 seconds into the 1967 second Test against New Zealand will always remain part of our folklore.”
