It’s been a sad week in sport hearing about the passing of Don Fox. Many may know Fox as a sports administrator, particularly the role he played in reviving the national rugby league. But even before he put his “”administration”” hat on, Don Fox was a talented sportsman and undoubtedly one of the country’s sporting icons during the pre-independence era.
Here are 10 sporting facts about the (Late) Don Fox:
- Don Fox was a top order batsman. For almost a decade, he was the driving force behind one of Port Moresby’s most successful cricket clubs in the 70’s – Boroko Colts Cricket Club.
- Post Colts Cricket Club, he moved on to United Cricket Club. Not just as a player but as their captain/coach.
- He was a stroke maker and a regular century maker for both Colts and United.
- He represented Papua in Cricket and went on to captain the side for the annual Territory challenge matches.
- He also played rugby league and played front-row for the mighty Magani Rugby League Club – one of two pioneer rugby league clubs in Papua.
- Even more interesting is that as a front-row, Fox was also a goal kicker. In one season, he became the leading point scorer in the Port Moresby rugby league competition – a rare feat for a front-rower. Many of his points came through goal kicking.
- Like in cricket, Fox also became the captain/coach of Magani Rugby League Club
- Don Fox was instrumental for the Magani Rugby League Club’s three successive premiership victories – 1969, 1970 and 1971. Don Fox last game for Magani as captain coach was in 1976
- He represented Papua in the inter-territory rugby league challenges against New Guinea.
- He also coached the Papua Rugby League side to play against New Guinea in an inter-territory match
As a bonus:
After nursing a shoulder injury in rugby league, he tried his luck in refereeing in rugby league!
Rest In Peace – Legend.
