Former Western Suburbs, New South Wales and Australian captain Arthur Summons has passed away at the age of 84.
Summons was portrayed alongside St George Dragons great Norm Provan in the most significant rugby league photo in Australian history, captured by photographer John O’Gready after the 1963 New South Wales Rugby League Grand Final.
The image would become immortalised in the trophy presented to the winner of the New South Wales Rugby League, ARL and now NRL Grand Final.
His career began in Sydney Rugby with the famous Gordon Rugby club, representing the Wallabies ten times.
In 1960 he made the switch to rugby league and appeared 60 times for the Magpies. The halfback would appear for the Magpies in three consecutive Grand Finals during St George’s stunning eleven consecutive titles.
Summons represented Australia nine times, including being appointed as captain-coach in 1963.
When his career ended in 1964, he headed bush to play for the Wagga Magpies.
The accolades post-career included being named in the greatest 100 players as part of the Centenary of Rugby League in 2008, and was inducted into the Western Suburbs Hall of Fame that same year. He was a life member of the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Tributes
VALE @westsmagpies 584 Arthur Summons 🏴🏳https://t.co/3sDvElBVsV pic.twitter.com/CaVI7g5Rro
— Wests Magpies (@westsmagpies) May 17, 2020
In 1963-64 he was captain-coach of the @Kangaroos that won the Ashes in England for the first time in over 50 years. He played in 3 consecutive Grand Finals with Wests in 1961-1963. Forever immortalised as one half of the famous Gladiators. Rest In Peace, Arthur Summons. pic.twitter.com/pWaPB4N6w2
— That’s Rugby League (@RugbyLeagueGold) May 17, 2020
We are saddened of the passing of Arthur Summons aged 84.
Arthur is an icon of the game and will forever be etched into the history of Rugby League.
A true Gladiator of the game and a man who was so generous giving back to the rugby league community. He will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/GnKV48ZVPu
— Men of League (@menofleague) May 17, 2020
So sad to hear the great Arthur Summons has passed away. Thank you sir for all you did for rugby league. Never to be forgotten. Rest in Peace.@FOXNRL @fanfoxleague @westsmagpies
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) May 17, 2020
Vale, Arthur Summons 😓
He will be remembered forever by our Rugby League community and beyond.https://t.co/oYT9bDGNmd pic.twitter.com/na0JfmTyg0
— NRL (@NRL) May 17, 2020
