Ron
Sigsworth

Ron Sigsworth — fullback, Canberra Raider, and servant of the rugby league community for decades after his playing days — passed away on 28 April 2025, at the age of 63. His death was mourned by the rugby league fraternity across Australia, and particularly by those who remembered him as a composed, skilful player and a quietly dedicated contributor to the game he loved.

Born in 1962, Ron Sigsworth came from a rugby league family with deep roots in the sport. He was the younger brother of Phil Sigsworth, a celebrated Newtown Jets and Australian international, and the game ran in his blood from childhood. Following in his brother's footsteps, Ron made his first-grade debut for the Newtown Jets in 1982 and went on to play 25 matches for the club — including 19 games in their final season in the top grade in 1983.

That last season with Newtown was a bittersweet one. When the Jets were excluded from the NSWRL competition at the end of 1983, an era came to a close — and Ron Sigsworth secured his own small but poignant place in history. In Round 23 of 1983, in what became one of the last matches at Newtown's beloved home ground of Henson Park, Ron scored the Newtown Jets' final ever try in the top grade against Balmain. A moment of individual brilliance that became an enduring part of rugby league folklore.

With Newtown gone, Ron answered the call from Canberra, joining the Raiders in 1984 and playing 13 first-grade games for the Green Machine — adding another chapter to his connection with Australian rugby league's bold new frontier. He subsequently crossed to England to play for Castleford in the 1984–85 Rugby Football League season, before returning to Australia to play lower grades at South Sydney and, in 1987, taking on a coaching role with Ayr in North Queensland.

After his playing career ended, Ron Sigsworth served the NSWRL Judiciary for many years — a role that reflected his deep respect for the integrity and governance of the game. He was remembered by those who knew him as a reliable, professional, and humble presence in rugby league, a man who gave the sport far more than the scoreboard ever recorded.

Ron Sigsworth is survived by his family and by the memories of a career spent entirely in service — first to his clubs on the field, then to the game itself off it.