Jack Woolaston: NSWRL honours Bears legend

The 97-year-old has been putting in the hours for the North Tamworth Bears, free of charge, for over 75 years.

"I've been a long time helping people but I love it," the club's former president said.

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And among Woolaston's admirers is the NSWRL, who named him Northern Region's volunteer of the year (there were 11 winners from across NSW).

Woolaston joined the Bears after moving to Tamworth from Somerton for work. His sister lived opposite the Bears' homeground.

"I crossed the road and started playing in 1947," he said.

"I played a bit of football in the army and then after the war [World War II] I played winger and then they moved me into the second-row.

"Then again, I think I played every position at some stage - if they were short, I'd play there.

"I used to play alongside Norm Young from Canterbury. He played all right too."

Young represented Northern Districts in the early 1950s, after 39 games with the Canterbury Bulldogs (1944-48).

The North Tamworth ground is now called Jack Woolaston Oval. He's been selling doubles there for as long as anyone can remember.

And he's done just about everything else around the club - from setting up junior competitions, to mowing lawns, fixing fences and building infrastructure.

The club turned 110 this year.

Jack Woolaston Oval is not run or owned by council so Woolaston set up Norths' Old Boys and Old Girls networks to do the cleaning and upkeep of the ground, as well as pay the rates and electricity bills.

The former builder went straight to the mayor's office to get the required construction permits.

"I like the challenge of seeing something get done," he said. "If people say it can't be done, or think we're idiots for trying, that ruffles my feathers.

"I've never been beaten in my life. Like I said, I love the challenge."

Woolaston's wife, Patricia, lives in an aged-care home. He lives at a nearby retirement village.

"If we both make it to September we'll be 71 years married - that's not a bad innings," he said.

Woolaston was nominated for the NSWRL volunteer award by North Tamworth treasurer Rose Wadwell.

"Jack's the backbone to country footy," she said. "He knows every family, every child. His passion is for all country kids to play footy."

His family are entrenched at the club as well. His son Peter captain-coached the Bears to a first grade premiership in 1980. And his grandson Tom Wollaston is a current member of the Bears' first grade side under coach Brad McManus.

"Jack's a freak," McManus said.

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