- Rugby league great John ‘Chow’ Hayes has died aged 84
- Played for Western Suburbs, also coached Magpies
- Went onto coach North Sydney, highly respected in the game
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The rugby league world is in mourning after the death of John ‘Chow’ Hayes just days out from the NRL Grand Final.
Hayes caught the eye for Western Suburbs in the NSWRL competition following his first grade debut in 1961, and later featured in three deciders against St George.
He was a tough forward who could play prop, hooker or second-row.
Hayes also represented NSW in 1961.
‘John was highly respected and regarded and was a lifetime contributor to the game he loved at all levels,’ NSWRL President Bob Millward said.
The rugby league world is in mourning after the death of John ‘Chow’ Hayes (pictured right) just days out from the 2023 NRL Grand Final
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Hayes (circled in red, left) played for Western Suburbs in the NSWRL competition following his first grade debut in 1961, and soon featured in three grand finals against St George
Such was his standing in the game, Hayes was inducted as a life member of NSWRL, Western Suburbs and North Sydney
‘Chow carved out a successful career in the code and he will be sadly missed.’
Hayes was born in Marrickville in Sydney’s inner-west and left school at age 14 to pursue footy as well as work in panel beating.
He went on to play 160 games for the Magpies before retiring in 1970 where he turned his attention to coaching.
He was in charge of the Magpies reserve grade side from 1971-1973 taking them to the semi-finals in his first year, before going on to coach the North Sydney Bears in 1983 and 1984.
Such was his standing in the game, Hayes was inducted as a life member of NSWRL, Western Suburbs and North Sydney.
Hayes also later became a Chief Inspector for the NSW Police Force.
