The NRL is today mourning the passing of former Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks prop Cliff Watson.
Mr Watson was one of the early pioneers at Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, joining the Club in 1971 as an English import.
"Cliff's time at the Sharks was relatively short compared to the rest of his career but his impact and influence on the Club is revered to this day," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.
"He led from the front to take the Club to its first Grand Final, in 1973.
"He was one of the greatest front-rowers for Great Britain ever and left an incredible mark on Cronulla as well as the game in Australia."
CLIFF WATSON
Born: April 26, 1940, London, UK
Career Overview
Club Career: 1960 – 73
St Helens (1960 – 71)
o 373 Games
o 57 Tries
o 171 Points
Cronulla Sutherland (1971 – 73)
o 1971: 8 Games
o 1972: 10 Games, 4 Tries, 12 Points
o 1973: 20 Games, 5 Tries, 15 Points
Representative Career: 1963 – 71, 1974
Great Britain (1963 – 71)
o Tests and World Cup (1963 – 71): 30 Games, 5 Tries, 15 Points
o Tour Matches (1966, 1968, 1970): 20 Games, 2 Tries, 6 Points
Illawarra vs. Great Britain (1974)
o 1 Game
The Rest vs. Kangaroos (1974)
o 1 Game
GRAND TOTAL (all senior matches)
o 463 Games, 73 Tries, 219 Points
Watson played junior football with Dudley Kingswinford rugby union
He played in St Helens' Challenge Cup-winning teams in 1961 and 1966
He made his Australian premiership debut for Cronulla vs. Newtown at Endeavour Field, 4/7/1971 (Rd. 15)
He played in Cronulla's grand final team against Manly in 1973
Watson captain-coached Wollongong in the Illawarra competition in 1974
