Terry Williams, Australian Obituary,Newtown Rugby League Football Club Long-time Club Historian And Author
The Newtown Rugby League Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our long-time club historian and esteemed author, Terry Williams.
Born in Marrickville in 1963, Terry was the son of former Bluebags lower grade player Warren Williams. Raised in Ashcroft alongside his six siblings, Terry’s childhood was marked by a passion for sports history and his beloved club, Newtown. A dedicated teacher by profession, Terry’s love for storytelling and rugby league led him to focus on writing in the early 1990s. His first book, ‘Out of the Blue: The History of Newtown RLFC,’ was published in 1993 and quickly became a bestseller, capturing the rich history of the club. He followed this with ‘Through Blue Eyes: A Pictorial History of Newtown RLFC’ in 2008, coinciding with the club’s centenary celebrations.
In 1995, Terry founded Sydney League News magazine, further cementing his influence in rugby league journalism. He later served more than a decade as a communications manager and historian with the New South Wales Rugby League and the Australian Rugby League, culminating in his role as curator of the NRL’s museum at Moore Park. His passion for the game extended beyond writing; in 2018, he co-produced the documentary ‘Headgear to Helmets,’ which highlighted rugby league heroes during World War I. His insights earned him invitations from rugby league legend Mal Meninga to speak to national squads, reflecting his standing within the sport.
Terry also served as team manager for an Australian Prime Minister’s XIII during a tour of Papua New Guinea, demonstrating his dedication to the game and country. His contributions to the Newtown club were invaluable—he was instrumental in selecting the Team of the Century and contributed countless articles to the club’s website. An MC at numerous club functions, Terry’s presence was a fixture at the Jets.
A devoted family man, Terry and his wife Denise shared a daughter, two sons, and two grandchildren. True to his spirit, Terry was a Newtown Jet until the very end. He passed away just hours after hosting the club’s 2026 season launch. Details of his funeral will be announced soon. Terry Williams’ legacy will forever be etched in the history of rugby league and the Newtown club.
