Queen’s honour for Jim - long-time giver to rugby league

With over 50 years of service in rugby league, Mr Cox has received an OAM for his contributions to the game; an honour he was very humbled by.

“You don’t look for rewards when you do these things,” Mr Cox said.

As a player, coach, selector and board member, there isn’t much Mr Cox hasn’t achieved in the game, but he hoped to see the doors being opened to more sportspeople recognised for their efforts.

“There are a lot of great people out there coaching kids,” he said.

Mr Cox has devoted a shed outside his house to his rugby league life, and a few other hobbies, decked out with team photos, trophies, news articles and a bevy of books and notes from over the years.

A long-time giver to the game, he has been previously recognised with a Service to Sport award in 1988 and and the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.

“I enjoyed meeting a lot of interesting people,” he said.

“It was a great ride and I’d do it all again.”

Mr Cox told The Leader the highlight of his sporting life was Tamworth City’s 1978 drought breaking grand final win.

“We got a band of supporters together to get Dempsey Joy from Manly to coach,” he said.

“I remember tears coming out my eyes as we won.”

Casting his eyes forward over the game he loves, Mr Cox said more players should be giving back to the game.

“I’ve had this question a lot over the years and rugby league is no different to any other sport,” he said.

“There’s got to be good administration.

“The players have to give something back to the game that has given them so much.”