The New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) is saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Sheldrick, described as the heart and soul of Rugby League in the Leeton-Griffith area.
Sheldrick, 79, passed away peacefully in St Vincent’s Hospital in Griffith last week.
He has left a firm mark on the game especially the Yanco Wamoon Hawks club.
Sheldrick served two terms as President of NSWRL’s Group 20 Rugby League, spanning almost two decades, and was made a Life Member of the association.
He took up the role after Dave Barnhill moved to Sydney to take up a position with Country Rugby League (CRL). Sheldrick served on the CRL Board for five years.
Sheldrick’s tough but fair manner in administration earned him wide respect including that of current NSWRL Board director, Terry Brady. He succeeded Sheldrick as Group 20 President.
“I learned heaps from him,” Brady told nswrl.com.au
“Dave was a strong leader but always well-balanced. He was a great mentor to me because when you’re in a position like that you’ve got to be firm but fair by sticking to the rules.
“He gave me a lot of tips of what not to do when you’re in the administration ranks.
“One of the best tips was ‘Never answer your phone on a Sunday night after eight o’clock’ and I’ll always remember that.
“I’d ring everyone back on the Monday morning when they’d calmed down a bit over referee decisions and the like. He had a great sense of humour – a really good bloke.”
Sheldrick’s passion was the Yanco Wamoon Hawks, where his sons Matthew and Christopher and son-in-law Wayne, all played.
He was also made a Life Member of the Hawks, who won three premierships (1992, 1993 and 1994) under his tenure. The U16s and U18s sides also won several titles in his time as President from 1987-1994.
“He was front and centre during a golden era at the club,” Brady said.
Students from Yanco Agricultural High School, Leeton High School and St Francis College play a tri-series each year for the Dave Sheldrick Shield.
The funeral service will be held at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Leeton on Thursday 29 September at 11am.
The NSWRL would like to extend its condolences to wife Anne, his three children Catherine, Matthew and Christopher, and six grandchildren.
