Ron was born on November 25, in 1932 and over the past few years has been unwell with dementia. He leaves a loving wife, Nancy and three daughters and a son and their families. One of Ron’s sisters, Mrs Margaret Condon and a brother in-law Bill Rudd, both reside in Grenfell.

Ron had a 37 year career that saw him play well over 500 games and became a legend in the world of Rugby League. Most of his playing career had been with West Wyalong and his services to the club were so great that the town’s new oval, opened in 1965, was named “Ron Crowe Oval”.

Ron’s first stint of football, whilst in his teens, came with a team known as the “Half Moons” consisting of junior players.

They played socially inter-town football in Group 9 and other areas. Ron was quickly spotted and became a regular member of the West Wyalong first grade and Maher Cup teams.

Ron became an International in 1961 when he toured New Zealand with the Australian team. He joined South Sydney in 1962, playing 15 first grade games, representing City Firsts against Great Britain that year as well as playing for NSW.

Ron returned to West Wyalong as captain-coach, going on to play for Australia in 1964 and 1966.

He played five Tests for Australia; represented NSW in 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964 and 1966; NSW City in 1962; and NSW Country in 1960, 1961, 1964, 1966 and 1968.

After coaching West Wyalong for several seasons winning the Premierships, Ron coached Barmedman for four seasons. He retired from football in 1978 at 45 years of age.

Ron Crowe’s funeral will be held tomorrow, Saturday September 28 at 12pm at the “Ron Crowe Oval” in West Wyalong.