THE TWT community and Tigers club are saddened to hear of the passing of former Balmain Tigers captain Trevor Ryan, aged 72.
Ryan played 159 games for the Tigers from 1972-78, 1982, and two games for the Western Suburbs Magpies in 1981.
A Nambucca Heads centre, Ryan came to Balmain as a 17-year-old in 1972.
The nephew of True Blue and former Kangaroos Test lock George Smith, Ryan was born in Bellingen but grew up in Nambucca Heads.
After being scouted by both Western Suburbs and Newtown, Ryan signed with Balmain where he made his first-grade debut aged 17 in 1972.
He was appointed captain of the Tigers in 1975 and went on to claim a NSW jumper in Game Three of the 1978 Interstate series against Queensland.
Starting in the second row, the Blues won 28-12 at Leichhardt Oval to secure a 3-0 series win.
After a semi-final appearance against Eastern Suburbs in 1978, Ryan was persuaded to join the Jets where he played two seasons.
He then joined the Magpies for a season but managed only two games due to a hamstring injury.
Ryan returned to the Tigers for one final season in 1982 and was appointed captain by coach Frank Stanton.
Post-football, Ryan coached in the Balmain and North Sydney competitions.
A Tribute and Funeral Service, celebrating the Life of Trevor Ryan, was held last Friday at Magnolia Chapel in Macquarie Park Crematorium, North Ryde.
“Wests Tigers passes on its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Trevor Ryan,” a club spokesperson said.
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