The NSWRL is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Group 4 president, Jim Cox OAM.
Cox, 81, died in Tamworth at the weekend after a long illness. He would have turned 82 today (6 January). (Photo above: Geoff O'Neill, The Land)
A leading light for Tamworth City in Group 4, Northern Division, Cox was awarded life membership in 2005 after more than 30 years service to Country Rugby League.
The Under 18s in Group 4 play for the Jim Cox Shield each season.
In 2016, Cox received an OAM for services to the sport.
“Jim was one of those stalwarts of the game that left his mark because of the deep passion he had for Rugby League,” said former NSWRL Head of Football Robert ‘Bert’ Lowrie.
“He was greatly respected in all facets of the game and his knowledge and expertise will be sorely missed.”
Originally from the small town of Barraba, west of Armidale, Cox moved south to Tamworth and played for Tamworth City.
In the late 1970s he coached numerous Northern Division junior sides winning NSW Country Championships, including in 1979 where he coached Northern Division Under 18s to the Country title and then coached NSW Country against NSW City.
He was also the manager of the NSW Under 18s with his good friend Paul Broughton, OAM as coach. Broughton, a NSWRL Life Member, passed away in December 2022.
Cox also coached the Northern Division senior team, which in 1982 upset the touring New Zealand Kiwis 42-6 at Tamworth’s Scully Park.
The NSWRL extends its condolences to Cox’s wife Marie and children, Vicki, Debbie and Andrew, their families, friends and colleagues.
