Legendary rugby league id Ken Arthurson has delved into his illustrious profession and position within the notorious Super League conflict.
The 93-year-old performed 41 video games for Manly between 1950-1952, and coached the Sea Eagles for 98 extra, however his administrative work inside the sport is the place he left an enduring mark.
Watch Face-to Face with Ken Arthurson on Monday at 7:30pm AEST on Fox League.
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As Manly’s membership secretary from 1963-1983, he helped flip the Sea Eagles right into a powerhouse membership that received 4 NSWRL premierships in 16 seasons.
Arthurson’s subsequent problem was the Australian Rugby League, the place he took over as the chief chairman.
During his 14 years in that place, he led the ARL’s resistance towards the breakaway Super League, which Arthurson mentioned “absolutely took a toll” on him.
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“My phone would be ringing at all hours of the day and all night, so I hardly slept during that Super League war,” Arthurson informed Yvonne Sampson on Face-to-Face.
“I remember the worst day of it all. When it first went in front of the court, the judge originally ruled in favour of the ARL and against the Super League.
“That decision would be appealed and it then went before three new judges from South Australia, who knew absolutely nothing about rugby league and nothing about sport if I’m telling the truth.
“Those three judges overturned the original decision and ruled the other was and that was the way it was unfortunately.
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“Thankfully it’s all been ironed out and rugby league is back in control which is the important thing.”
Arthurson resigned because the chairman of the ARL firstly of 1997, the one season the Super League could be performed, however not earlier than a poaching try from the rival.
“I was offered quite a lot of money (to join Super League) but no, I didn’t think about taking it … It would have killed me to do that,” Arthurson mentioned.
“It was very tempting of course, but you’d be a pretty low person to (take the offer).”
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Arthurson says he “doesn’t get out to the football much these days” however says “naturally, he loves seeing Manly win”, pointing to the Trbojevic brothers as a few of his favorite gamers.
“I think the three Trbojevic brothers (Tom, Jake and Ben) are great players but not only are they great players, but they are good people and their parents are good people as well
“They are a great credit to themselves as well as the Manly Sea Eagles.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
