Harry Bath passes away
October 04, 2008

Harry Bath, 83, passed away today on the eve of the game's centenary grand final between Manly and Melbourne at ANZ Stadium.
Considered by many to be the greatest player never to represent Australia, Bath won five premierships as player in the 1940s and '50s - two with Balmain and three with St George - and added two more as a coach of the Dragons in the 1970s.

The former goalkicking forward was part of the cavalcade of legends to feature in the Dragons' golden era from 1956 to 1966, when they won 11 straight grand finals.

In his last game, the 1959 grand final against Manly - which the Dragons won 20-0 to complete an undefeated season - Bath was sent off along with rival forward Rex Mossop for fighting.

As a coach, Bath inspired the baby Dragons to the 1977 premiership, taking the replay 22-0 after the original grand final against Parramatta finished in a 9-all draw. It was the first drawn grand final in the code's history.

He also guided the Dragons to their last title, in 1979, when they beat Canterbury 17-13 at the SCG. Known as the "Old Fox'', Bath remained one of the famous club's most loved figures.

"Harry was one of the greats - as a player and as a coach,'' said former Dragons team-mate and rugby league Immortal Johnny Raper. At Saints, he was a key part of our champion team and would have played for Australia if he hadn't gone to England when he was at his peak.

"As a coach, his record speaks for itself. He always got the best out of young players, which is what makes a great coach.''

Bath played for Balmain in 1946 and 1947 - winning two titles - before heading to England where was also a revered figure. In the UK, the former goalkicking forward started with Barrow before spending nine seasons with Warrington.

He captained Warrington to Challenge Cup glory in 1954 before a then world record crowd of 102,569 at Bradford's famed Odsal Stadium.

He is the only man to top the pointscoring table in both England and Australia. He returned to Australia in 1957, finishing off his career with the Dragons.

Bath passed a way after a long illness and is certain to be honoured by the NRL as part of today's celebrations for the game. People across the game were saddened as the news filtered through of Bath's passing.

"Harry's loss will be felt by many within the game,'' NRL boss David Gallop said. "He is one of the few people to have a distinguished career as both a player and a coach.''