TONY FINAN

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of former hooker, Tony Finan. Tony was a stalwart of the Huddersfield RLFC Past Players Association and had attended the Huddersfield Rugby League Players Association dinner on Friday 21 March but sadly died at home a couple of days later.

Tony was signed from Saddleworth Rangers on 23 May 1963  and made his first team debut in the claret and gold against Widnes at Fartown in an 8-2 victory on 14 December 1963. Tony was an accomplished hooker but his first team appearances were restricted due to the consistency of Huddersfield’s hall of fame member, Don Close. 

His enjoyment at the club is demonstrated by his commitment to the ‘A’ team where he made 106 appearances, scoring 15 tries and kicking 109 goals. Tony’s last of 11  appearances for the first team was against York in a 12-11 defeat on 31 August 1968.Following Tony’s retirement from Huddersfield he returned to play for his junior club, Saddleworth Rangers.

Tony was a rugby league man through and through. He became a referee, had a passion for the development of junior players and was heavily involved in all aspects of the game in the Oldham area. Nicknamed ‘Tiger’ for his fierce efforts against the opposition, big or small. Tony will be sadly missed. The thoughts of everyone at Huddersfield are with his family and friends.’