Ian Heads dies after long illness

[simon_eagle]

Ian Heads was a rugby league statesman known for his eloquent journalism and all round decency. He was infamous for his Sherlock column in the RLW magazine and was also a prolific author.

Although a fan of Easts, Heads was hugely influential in rugby league circles and was a loyal supporter of the ARL and of our very own Arko, particularly during the Super League period.

RIP.

Vale Ian Heads OAM

Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys AM today paid tribute to a legend of Rugby League media, Ian Heads OAM, who died this morning following a long illness.

www.nrl.com

 

[The Who]

I played against Heads in the Journalist Cup, and alongside him in the representative NSW V Queensland clash in 1971. He was a tough prop, and Captain. I didn't know him well, but I'm sure he bet on RL. He told me he'd backed St George to win all three grades on finals day at astronomical odds. He didn't win that bet. It made me think he was a St George supporter.

 

[sheridanstand78]

I got to know Ian Heads when I had the opportunity to do work experience at Rugby League Week as a 15 year old boy.

Fantastic gentleman who loved rugby league and I admired his passion for sports writing.

Vale Mr Ian Heads!

 

[Peter C]

I once heard Peter Peters say that Ian Heads also had a pseudonym, Phil Jenkins, I do remember the name in RL journalism, however it never occured to me that it was Ian Heads.

 

[simon_eagle]

I got to know Ian Heads when I had the opportunity to do work experience at Rugby League Week as a 15 year old boy.

Fantastic gentleman who loved rugby league and I admired his passion for sports writing.

Vale Mr Ian Heads!

That would’ve been a great experience for a young lad. What year was this?

 

[sheridanstand78]

That would’ve been a great experience for a young lad. What year was this?

I did that in August 1982. It was the week of the Tooth cup when Manly beat Newtown in the final!.