We are pleased to announce that Don Furner OAM is now the Patron of the Canberra Monaro Committee. Don’s contribution to the game of Rugby League is to say the least, outstanding. The awarding of the Order Of Australia Medal for his service to Rugby League in 1987 is testament to his dedication. From playing with Balmain Juniors, and moving on to Toowoomba, where he represented Queensland, he was then selected to represent Australia on the 1956/57 Kangaroo Tour of Great Britain and France. In the Coaching Arena, which commenced in 1964, he became one of the most successful First Grade Coaches with the ARL, and also received the prestigious appointment to Coach the 1986/87 Kangaroos to Britain and France. This team returned undefeated, the second only to achieve this distinction.
I am privileged to have been associated with Don since the late 1960’s as a friend and on a professional basis both on and off the Rugby League field and I am positive all would agree with me in saying, Don is a thorough gentleman and a great ambassador to Rugby League. We are honoured to have Don as our Patron.