Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys AM today paid tribute to Rugby League international Ron Lynch, who has passed away.
Lynch played 194 matches for Parramatta, 44 for Penrith, 18 for NSW and 12 Test matches for Australia, touring with the 1967-68 Kangaroos. He captained both Parramatta and Penrith.
“Ron was renowned as one of Parramatta’s greatest players,” Mr V’landys said.
“He played 238 games during the 1960s and 1970s, holding his own amongst some of the finest players the game has produced. He was also highly respected and regarded by those who came across him.
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Ron’s family, and all those who knew him.”
The Eels also passed on their condolences to family, friends and supporters.
Lynch was a Country Seconds and NSW representative from Forbes in 1960 before joining Parramatta in 1961.
He made an immediate impact and in that same year achieved his Australian representative debut against New Zealand.
Lynch would continue to compete with John Raper for the national lock position and achieved 12 caps for Australia.
He revelled in playing with the Thornett brothers, Brian Hambly, Barry Rushworth and Billy Rayner at club level and his leadership qualities were rewarded taking the club to an era of finals appearances.
Lynch was appointed captain of Parramatta first grade under coach Ken Kearney in 1962 taking the Eels to the semi-finals, and preliminary finals in 1963 and 1964.
In 1963, he was a member of the Parramatta team who played a historic game against South Africa at Cumberland Oval, winning 39 to 18.
In that same year, Lynch would score one of the luckiest tries recorded to put the club in their first preliminary final. He would later say it was a "million to one chance".
He was appointed Coach/Captain of the Eels in 1970 for one season and would retain the captaincy in 1971 under Ian Walsh.
Lynch recorded 194 appearances for the Parramatta Eels, scoring 28 tries for a total of 84 points.
In addition to his games played for Penrith following his departure after the 1971 season, he would achieve 238 games in the NSWRFL competition.
Lynch was made a Life Member of Parramatta Eels in 1970 and inducted to the club's Hall of Fame in 2003. He was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.
