The NSWRL is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of True Blue Dick Poole, Australia’s oldest living Kangaroo at the time of his death, aged 94.
He was an Australian and First Grade player and coach in the 1950s and 60s, making his First-Grade debut with the Newtown Jets as an 18-year-old in 1950.
Born Herbert Richard Poole in Surry Hills, he played 115 first grade games for Newton between 1950 and 1958 – his last four as captain-coach – before spending two seasons at Western Suburbs where he played another 31 matches.
Poole played 11 games for NSW between 1954-57 and captained the team in 1956 which won the series against Queensland 3-1. He also captained the team that won the 1957 series 4-0 for two games, including the 69-5 win in Game Three where he scored a double.
Poole represented his country on 13 occasions with his greatest moment coming as captain-coach of Australia’s World Cup victory in 1957, with the Kangaroos undefeated in the four-nation competition.
In 2008 was named in Newtown’s 18-man Team of the Century.
The NSWRL extends its condolences to Poole’s family and friends.
