Ron Massey passes away

Legendary Australian rugby league figure Ron Massey has passed away today at the age of 86.

A moment’s silence will be held at both NRL Preliminary Finals this weekend as a tribute to him.

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said the game had lost an inspirational figure who played a pivotal role in the careers of both Jack Gibson and Wayne Bennett, as well as the overall direction of the game itself.

“Ron was renowned as the right-hand man of Jack Gibson and was also seated at the side of Wayne Bennett for many momentous years,” Greenberg said.

“He had one of the sharpest minds in the game and it was clear that so much success came from his unique thinking.”

Massey was close friends with Gibson for more than 50 years, until Gibson’s death in 2008.

Massey travelled with Mr Gibson to the US to study techniques and trends in American football, and pioneered video analysis of Rugby League in the 1970s.

He also served on Video Review panels for both the ARL and the NRL, and was Cronulla Sharks CEO in 1990-91.

“The greatest tribute I can give to Ron is that the game would not be what it is today without him,” Greenberg said.

“He was a pioneering figure and a visionary in many aspects.

“The game will certainly miss him but the legacy of what he contributed will be forever prominent.”