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Footy legend dies after long battle with cancer, sending NRL world into mourning as Phil Gould leads tributes: ‘Words don’t do him justice’
Former Newtown Jets running back Ken ‘Squeaker’ Wilson has died after a long battle with cancer that left the rugby league community devastated.
Wilson kicked the famous game-winning field goal as the Jets beat the Dragons 1–0 in 1973 in the lowest scoring game in rugby league history that did not end in a 0–0 draw.
He was well known for his creative kicking game and stamina during one of the sport’s most difficult eras in the 1970s and 1980s.
Wilson was a life member of the Newtown Jets and left the club in mourning after his death following a long battle with cancer.
Wilson played 150 games for Newtown, with 447 goals, 25 tries, and 1,001 points. He also added another 44 games with the Penrith Panthers where he kicked 117 goals and scored seven tries.
His famous field goal against the Dragons came after he had been on the field for just 13 seconds and he was also on the field for Newtown’s final top flight game against Wests at Campbelltown where the Jets won 9–6.
Wilson also played alongside Tommy Raudonikis during the club’s 1981 grand final loss to Parramatta at the SCG.
He was diagnosed with cancer three years ago and finally succumbed to pancreatic cancer just before Christmas.
“The doctor is telling me that there is no further treatment,” he said. news corporation after two and a half years of chemotherapy.
But please don’t write that I’m complaining. I’ve had a fantastic 71 years and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Legendary rugby league manager, manager and commentator Phil Gould led tributes to Wilson online.
“Very saddened to learn of the passing of my partner, rugby league legend Ken Wilson. Words do not do justice to describe the man he was, or what he meant to me, my life and my career. Very very sad today. RIP Kenny. Champion man,’ he wrote.
Wilson scored over 1000 points for the Newtown Jets in their heyday and played in the club’s final game in first grade.
The club also issued a statement following Wilson’s passing.
“The Newtown Jets are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of club legend and life member Ken Wilson,” the statement read.
‘Squeaker’ was universally loved by fans and players and will be missed by everyone at the club.
“We send our deepest condolences to his wife Christine and all his family and friends.”
Rugby league writer and broadcaster Mark Warren also added his tribute to Wilson from his days covering the Jets.
‘A great RL gentleman has left us for higher ground. Ten bells to Mr. Ken Wilson, who I knew well during my Metro Cup years. The players he coached and many of his teammates are in mourning today, though no more pain. 150 Jets games and 44 Panthers’, he tweeted.
Rugby league fans were quick to post their tributes to Wilson online too upon hearing the news of his death.
‘Very sad news. We recently learned of his health battle. She had a great attitude. RIP Kenny Wilson,” posted one.
“RIP Squeaker, great player, pure Bluebag spirit,” added another.
‘Oh no. That’s so sad. What a great guy! RIP Kenny’, posted another.