The Canberra Region Rugby League would like to pay tribute to former Great Britain International and Goulburn player/coach Phil Jackson, who passed away recently at the age of 90 in Wagga Wagga.
Born in Canada in 1932, Jackson moved to Barrow-In-Furness in England when he was three and went on to debut for Barrow in 1950 at the age of 18.
Nicknamed the Prince of Centres, Jackson would play over 200 matches for Barrow including three Challenge Cup finals in the 1950s, while also representing Great Britain and England.
When injury forced him into retirement, he moved to Australia in 1960 and was tempted back to the game to play for Goulburn Workers, where in the role as player/coach he led the club to the Group 8 premiership. Goulburn also secured the Clayton Cup that season as the best team in Country NSW.
Canberra Raiders Patron John McIntrye paid tribute to Jackson and said he was a once in a generation player.
“Phil Jackson was one of the most talented players to have ever played rugby league in this region,” McIntrye said. “On behalf of the Canberra District Rugby League I would like to pay tribute to the contribution Phil made to the game and honour the legacy he leaves behind after such a wonderful life.”
A service to celebrate the life of Phil will be held in the St John’s Anglican Church, Church St Wagga Wagga on Friday 29th July 2022 commencing at 2:00pm.
