NRL fans and commentators are paying tribute to Terry Williams after the death of the highly respected historian and author at age 62. Williams was the long-time historian for the NSW Rugby League and Newtown Jets, which serves as the feeder club for the Cronulla Sharks in the NSW Cup.
He was also the former curator of the NRL Museum at Rugby League Central in Sydney. The NSWRL said in a statement on Thursday: “NSWRL was deeply saddened to hear the passing of renowned Rugby League historian and author Terry Williams.
Terry Williams (far left and right) was a widely respected author and historian. Image: Newtown Jets/NSWRL
“Terry’s contribution to rugby league spanned decades, during which time he became one of the most knowledgeable and passionate storytellers of the sport’s history. His deep understanding of the game, its people and its stories made the museum a place of learning and connection for countless visitors.”
Williams was the son of third-grade Newtown jets player Warren Williams, and was a fanatic for the club all his life. He wrote the books ‘Out of the Blue’ in 1993 and ‘Through Blue Eyes’ in 2008, chronicling the Newtown Rugby League Club and its rich history.
He also established Sydney League News magazine in the 90s, and in 2018 he wrote and co-produced the critically acclaimed documentary film ‘Headgear to Helmets’, which looked at rugby league players who went to war. He also contributed to the NSWRL Referees Association Centenary Publication ‘Above All for Rugby League’ in 2008, and at one point served as the team manager of an Australian Prime Minister’s XIII squad that toured Papua New Guinea.
“Above all, Terry was generous with his time and deeply committed to rugby league and its community,” the NSWRL wrote. “NSWRL extends its sincere condolences to Terry’s family and friends.”
NRL world pays tribute to Terry Williams
Fellow historian and commentator Andrew Ferguson wrote online: “He was an absolute wealth of knowledge in the game’s history. Passionate and dedicated like no other. The perfect man to be curator of the RL museum. A sad loss is an understatement.
“Terry was absolutely someone I looked up to. A mentor. But never did he treat me like I was his junior. Very very sad loss to the game and personally to me. Such a generous, kind soul. Sad day.”
Veteran commentator Tony Adams wrote: “RIP to a great rugby league man and Newtown Jets fanatic Terry Williams. Sad day.”
Another wrote online: “RIP to the great man and condolences to his family, certainly will be missed by anyone who knows him.” While another added: “That’s so sad to hear.”