We Say Farewell To The Last Of The 1955 Men

The Newtown RLFC regrets to advise that the former Newtown Bluebags player Peter Ryan has passed away at the age of 91.

He played in 119 first grade games with Newtown from 1953 to 1959, followed by two seasons at Parramatta in 1961 and 1962 (where he played 15 first grade games).

Peter was a top-class lock forward who played in Newtown’s first grade grand final teams in 1954 and 1955, with both games being against South Sydney.

He had been a mentor to Johnny Raper when the great JR joined Newtown in 1956, before he transferred to St George in 1959. Peter and John remained the best of friends for the rest of their lives.

Peter captain-coached at Mareeba in far North Queensland in 1960, and he represented the North Queensland region against the touring French rugby league team in that same year.

The Newtown RLFC extends sincere condolences to Peter’s wife Gwen and to his family members.

Peter was the last remaining member of those storied Newtown first grade grand final teams of 1954 and 1955.

Peter Ryan is pictured sitting in the front row, three in from the left, in this NSWRL photo of the 1954 Newtown Bluebags first grade grand final team at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Peter Ryan is pictured sitting in the front row, three in from the left, in this NSWRL photo of the 1954 Newtown Bluebags first grade grand final team at the Sydney Cricket Ground.