Image: mafphotography
Image: mafphotography

Throw Back Thursday – The Legend of Troy

Each week, thanks to Cryo, we look back at a significant moment in our rich history. Today we remember a legend of the club who played for both Newtown and Wentworthville.

THE LEGEND OF TROY

In one respect it’s pretty fitting that Jack Troy played for the Newtown Jets (then Bluebags) and Wentworthville Magpies, because when he got his speed up, the former Test winger really flew.

Born in 1928, John “Jack Troy” was an aspiring sprinter, who almost gave up football to qualify for the 1948 London Olympics as a sprinter. After controversially being omitted from the Australian Olympic team, Troy turned his full attention to football, scoring nine tries in his first 10 top grade appearances for Newtown in 1949.

He bettered that strike rate the next year, crossing 10 times in the opening eight games of the season and was rewarded with selections in the City, NSW and Australian sides. Selected in the Australian squad which faced Great Britain on home soil, Troy played in the first and third Tests and laid the foundation for the Ron Roberts try that ultimately sealed Australia’s 2-1 series victory and its first Ashes win in 30 years.

1950 also saw Troy set a Newtown club record for the most tries scored in an individual match, when he scored six times in the Bluebags’ 38-8 win over Eastern Suburbs at the Sydney Sports Ground. Only twice in the history of the premiership has a player crossed the line more times in a match. Remarkably, there is nobody since Jack Troy in 1950 who has managed to score six tries or more in a first-grade game.

Dogged by leg injuries during the latter stages of his career, Troy retired from grade in his mid-twenties, but continued to play an active role in rugby league administration. Rising to the role of Chairman of Selectors at the St George club in 1976, he was also a member of the first NSWRL Coaching panel and was very supportive of the Metropolitan Cup, the competition which facilitated Newtown’s return to big time footy in 1991.

Troy sadly passed away in 1995 aged 66, but his legacy continues to live on amongst the Henson Park and Ringrose Park faithful. So revered is he at Wentworthville that his portrait hangs in the sports bar of Wenty Leagues Club.

Jack Troy pushed into touch as he leaps for the corner during the 1950 interstate series.

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Image: MAF Photography

Newtown Jets Team List v Canberra Raiders Sat 30th March, 2024

Newtown's fullback on Sunday was Liam Ison, who was making his NSW Cup debut for the Jets. He had an outstanding game, including scoring the try that enabled Newtown to draw level with Western Suburbs in the 76th minute. Photo: Mario Facchini (mafphotography)

Newtown Jets snatch victory with a last-minute field goal

Image: MAF Photography

Newtown Jets Team List v Wests Magpies Sun 24th March 2024

Tough Newtown forward Brad Fearnley is a real crowd favourite at Henson Park, and he worked doubly-hard in the Jets' exciting win against the Canterbury Bulldogs last Friday.
Photo: Mario Facchini, mafphotography

Jets work hard to take the points against the Canterbury Bulldogs

Image: MAF Photography

Newtown Jets Team List v Canterbury Bulldogs Fri 15th March 2024

Newtown Jets hooker Sam Healey was in top form over in New Zealand, scoring two tries and showing that he has a big season in front of him. (Photo: Mario Facchini, mafphotography)

Jets second half fightback trumped by the Warriors late surge

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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.