Tributes to Fax player and coach Scroby
TRIBUTES HAVE been paid to former Halifax RLFC player and coach Jack Scroby after his death, aged 83.
Jack played Rugby Union as a schoolboy at Crossley and Porter Grammar School, then amateur Rugby League for Siddal and Ovenden, before turning professional with Bradford Northern.
Halifax had to pay a club record fee of £7,500 to bring him home in 1959, at which time he was with the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment in Northern Ireland.
Jack was enlisted into the ‘Dukes’ on March 13, 1958, at the Regimental Depot, at Wellesley Park Barracks, Halifax, to start his training for his two year National Service stint.
During his service with the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, Jack was a stalwart of the ‘Dukes’ rugby team. He was capped twice, playing for the Army
Whilst the Dukes were serving in Northern Ireland, in 1959, Jack was selected to play for the Army, against the Navy and Airforce, at Twickenham.
He was to play 315 matches for Halifax, scoring 22 tries, by now mostly at prop forward. Highlights were playing in the 1963 Yorkshire Cup Final victory over Featherstone, and the 1965 Championship Final win against St Helens. He shared a joint Testimonial season with Barry Robinson in 1969. He played his last match in February
1970, before leaving to coach Huddersfield.
He then returned to Halifax as a coach, was Chris Anderson’s assistant during the glory days of the late 1980s, and then had 10 years as the club’s timekeeper.
On Facebook, former Fax player and coach Chris Anderson, and his family, said: “Our family is devastated at Jack’s passing. Scroby’s took the Andersons
under their wings and into their hearts. Jack was more than an Asst Coach to Chris.
“He was the vital local connection for a rookie coach from Australia. His daughter Karen was our babysitter. Beryl our friend”
Also on Facebook, Australian former Halifax player Michael Hagan and his wife Sue said: “It is with a sad and heavy heart that we say goodbye to the one (and only) Jack Scroby.
“He has left an indelible impression on me and my family.
“He and his wife Beryl welcomed me to Halifax when I arrived as a 19 year old in 1984 which was the start of my professional rugby league career.
“They treated me like family in those early years and I remain forever grateful for their sincere hospitality. 10 years later - they looked after me and my young family when I arrived for my 2nd stint in 1993.
“Jack was a devoted club man and a great friend to all of us. Extending our sincere condolences to Beryl and family.
“RIP Jack - you were a true gentleman - thank you.”
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