Rugby league gladiator Arthur Summons has died at the age of 84.
The former Kangaroos captain and coach is famously immortalised in the iconic photo with rival captain Norm Provan that is depicted in the NRL premiership trophy.
Summons, who underwent major surgery in 2018 to remove cancer from his mouth, died on Saturday night.
A former rugby union player who played 10 Tests for the Wallabies, five eighth Summons switched codes and is listed as one of the best 100 rugby league players of the last century.
He played five seasons for Western Suburbs and was in the first Australian side to tour Great Britain, masking nine appearances for the Kangaroos bertween 1961-63.
After the last of Wests’ three grand final losses to St George in 1963, he was photographed embracing towering rival forward Provan at a muddy SCG.
“Arthur epitomised everything that rugby league stands for – he was a talented player, a fierce competitor, a wonderful character and extremely popular with everyone,” said ARLC chair Peter V’landys.
“His important to the game continued – and was immortalised – after his retirement as a player when he became the face of our premiership, along with Norm Provan, and he embraced the responsibility which came with that.
“Arthur’s memory and legacy will live on in bronze for all of us to celebrate.”
Tony
Roar Guru
What a shame that the sad news of his passing was overshadowed by the news of yet another dimwit bringing the game into disrepute.
jamesb
Roar Guru
Very sad to hear. He was a player before my time, but you hear stories that he was a wonderful player at both league and union. Later on, he was immortalized as one half of the NRL trophy. That is one of the most iconic images in Australian sport. More importantly, he seemed like a gentleman off the field too. Due to Covid restrictions, he will not get the turnout he deserves at his funeral. But I am sure there will be a memorial service. Thanks Arthur. You will never be forgotten. RIP.
Kay Hickey
Guest
Thankyou Arthur. God bless you & may you rest gently - you have certainly earned your rest.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
That photo on which the League based its trophy was fortuitous, in that it captured the moment so very well and that it immortalised two gentlemen of the game, both tough and able champions and both outstanding leaders of their teams. I've not heard a word of criticism of Arthur Summons or Norm Provan in a lifetime. I attended that grand final, in my early teenage, it was probably the first grand final I saw. I well remember a piece in which the play moved on from the quagmire in centre field and moments later Denis Meaney, Wests big blonde haired front rower, emerged from where he had been laying in the mud - as black as your boot from head to toe and no-one had noticed him. The SCG greenkeeper had his work cut out after that match.
WarrenBungles
Guest
True immortal.
Alley Barber
Guest
Not just a legend of league but a dying breed . Old school Aussie, when men were men. Tough with a heart of gold , firm but fair , a generation that got things done . Sleep well old boy , you’ve earned it .
Tom G
Roar Rookie
A real legend..in both League and Union. I had the privilege of meeting Arthur quite a few times at functions and based on my experiences I can't think of a better person to be immortalised that trophy.
TRhing-me
Roar Rookie
A very good rugby player indeed, playing outside another great, Des Connor in an era when the Wallabies were the easy-beats in world rugby. The closest he ever got to playing in a winning test team was in 1958 when the Wallabies drew with the NZ Maoris in their second test. Born 13 December, 1935, passed away May 16 2020. Will be sadly missed by both codes. R.I.P.
JGK
Roar Guru
RIP Legend.
kk
Roar Pro
A wonderful man...magic memories. The Provan/ Summons trophy is a fitting tribute.
Walter Black
Guest
Sad news R.I.P. Arthur