Jets

KOE NSW Cup Round 9 (JETS Retro Round)

Saturday 3rd May 2025

3pm

 HENSON PARK

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Frank Hyde (front row, second from right) pictured here in Newtown's team of 1936 - their first ever season at Henson Park. Photo: NRLFC Archives c/- Terry Williams
Frank Hyde (front row, second from right) pictured here in Newtown's team of 1936 - their first ever season at Henson Park. Photo: NRLFC Archives c/- Terry Williams

Frank Hyde – Through Blue Eyes

The Frank Hyde Shield goes on the line this Saturday at North Sydney Oval, when Newtown does battle with fellow foundation club North Sydney. Legendary Rugby League identity Frank Hyde played with pride for both clubs.

Newtown RLFC historian Terry Williams reminisces about the great man in the first of a series Through Blue Eyes

Having had the rugby league bug since I was a kid Frank Hyde was a central part of my life growing up. Not only did I listen to his radio calls but I watched him on Channel Nine with Ron Casey, read his columns (even the Catholic Weekly) and had devoured every word of his life story when it ran as a series of articles in RLW during the 1977 season.*

So when I interviewed him it was more a pilgrimage than an interview. Although I had never met him Frank was overjoyed at the thought of the book and keen to share his memories of some of the men he remembered with affection. He even broke out as bottle of his famous home brew for the chat, and who was I to knock back a chance to share a beer with such a legend?

Frank’s mind was still razor sharp and he could remember the 1937 City Cup final clearly and described Freddy Smith’s field goal from halfway in graphic detail. “I can still see the ball sailing over the posts” he said. The 55-7 win over that year’s premiers was his last game in a Newtown jersey and he marked it by scoring three tries in a performance that announced him as a major talent.

He had nothing but praise for the blokes he played with and later against after being  forced to switch clubs by virtue of the residential rule, firstly to Balmain and then later to North Sydney.

Herb Narvo was a particular favourite and Frank still rated him as one of the best forwards he had ever seen. “Narvo was a freakish athlete who could have done anything,” he said. “He is the only man I have ever seen who could run at full pace even when bending over.” He waxed lyrical about Narvo as a man too, as did every person I spoke to him that knew him.

Given that Frank had run into Narvo’s fist repeatedly during the 1943 Grand Final the assessment was from both first and second hand experience, but they were great mates.

He also told a few Bumper Farrell stories, but they’re for another day.

When I drove away from his place at Queenscliff that day I was intoxicated, and it wasn’t down to the one bottle of beer we shared. I knew full well his achievements on and off the field and legacy he had left, but I was always as much a passionate fan as a passionate historian.

After that first meeting I got to chat with him several other occasions, and my respect grew into affection and gave me a chance to engage with his children. Those stories, too, are for another time but I must confess that I cried when he died in 2007.

*I did, however, draw the line at listening to his records

Image: Harrison Tse

Newtown Jets Team List v Parramatta Eels Sat 3rd May, 2025 (JETS Retro Round)

Image: Harrison Tse

Newtown Jets Team List v Wests Magpies Sat 26th April 2025 (Tommy Raudonikis Cup)

Newtown half-back Niwhai Puru crossed for three tries in the Jets big win in Newcastle. Image: NSWRL

Newtown Jets run up a big winning margin over the Newcastle Knights

Image: Harrison Tse

Newtown Jets Team List v Newcastle Sun 20th April 2025

Image c/- NSWRL

The Jets put an end to the NZ Warriors unbeaten run

This Raiders forward feels the combined impact of Jesse Colquhoun (left), Jordin Leiu (middle) and Jayden Berrell (right). (Photo: Mario Facchini/mafphotography)

Canberra Raiders maintain their unbeaten home games record against the Newtown Jets

Australian Mutual Bank
Front of Jersey

Petersham RSL
Back of Jersey

Deicorp
Back of Jersey, Training Gear, Socks

Eclectic 365
Chest

John Singleton Group
Sleeve

PHILTER
Shoulder blades, Brewing

Coverforce
Front of Shorts

VIC on the Park
Back of Shorts

Strive Fitness
Gym

Sports Medicine Institute
Medical Services & Rehabilitation

Henson Park Hotel
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Arista Technologies
Technology Partner

Newtown Jets respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the Land and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on and that the land area encompassing Henson Park traditionally belonged to the Gadigal people of the Eora nation.