Terry Fearnley

Your Say

• Matt
  2 Jan 2018 8:29pm

  Jack Gibson has always been credited with bringing American style coaching and training methods to Rugby League in Australia however it is a little known fact that it was Terry Fearnley who made Gibson aware of American methods- most notably the teachings of Vince Lombardi. While Gibson brought Parra their first ever premiership, it was Fearnley who laid the foundation for future greatness at the Parramatta club.

• Scott Fearnley
  11 Sep 2023 12:51pm

  You are very correct Matt. From a trip to the US my father also brought back to Australia the power of positive thinking. I was by his side during his coaching years at games and trainings sessions from a young age. I have fond memories of training sessions catching kicks (bombs) from John Peard, picking up Peter Sterling from Sydney Central Station, driving down the coast with my father to encourage Mick Cronin to play for Parramatta, getting to know many players from many clubs, Gibo and Massy etc. Also watching old VHS videos of Wally Lewis game plans resulting in the first State of Origin win for NSW in the new era. My father created a huge feud with QLD and NSW by dropping from memory 4 QLD's in the last test against NZ which changed the game forever. Recently I have written a letter to Wally stating in my belief he was correct to be upset with the decision. My father was not only Controversial in League but in Person as well.

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