Newtown Rugby League Football Club - Established 1908
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Frank Speechley, from a photo taken in 2004 in the Henson Park commentary box. Frank was chatting with another former Newtown great, Frank Hyde. |
The Newtown RLFC notes with regret the recent passing of Frank Speechley - a former player, committee member, Life Member, Henson Park ground announcer and lifelong supporter of the Newtown Rugby League Football Club.
Frank played in the competition rounds with the 1943 first grade team that won the premiership that year, although he did not play in the Grand Final team.
He is in the official team photo of that 1943 premiership-winning team, along with other Newtown club Titans such as Frank "Bumper" Farrell, Len Smith, Charles "Chicka" Cahill, Herb Narvo, Paddy Bugden, Norm Jacobson, Sid Goodwin and others.
Frank remained a loyal Bluebags and Jets supporter up until the time of his death, and he was a very proud attendee at the Newtown RLFC 100th birthday celebrations held at the Newtown Town Hall on the 8th January, 2008.
He was still a regular at Newtown Jets home games up until about two years ago when ill health prevented his continued attendance.
Frank and his late wife Kathleen lived in the same home in Frampton Avenue, Marrickville from 1941 to 2008 - and naturally the house was in close proximity to his old home ground, Henson Park.
The Newtown RLFC extends sincere condolences to his family members and says farewell to the man who was the last remaining link with that famous first grade premiership-winning team of 67 years ago.