Former Penrith Panthers prop forward John Farragher has sadly passed away at the age of 68.
Farragher, a legend of the club and a former club director, died after suffering a cardiac arrest last week.
The former rugby league player began playing for the Panthers in 1978. But tragedy struck just seven games into his professional career, after he suffered a serious neck injury when a scrum collapsed on him during a game against the Newtown Jets at Henson Park.
Farragher, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his inspirational work in rugby league, was left a quadriplegic due to the injury. He was just 21 at the time.
On Sunday, Penrith paid tribute to the rugby league great.
‘Penrith Panthers is deeply saddened by the passing of club legend John Farragher OAM,’ the club wrote in a statement on its website.
Former Penrith Panthers prop forward John Farragher (pictured) has sadly passed away at the age of 68
Farragher (centre), who made seven appearances for the Panthers in the 70s before a spinal injury cut his career short, was appointed as a director at the Panthers in 2022
Farragher (left) was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his inspirational work in rugby league in 2016
Farragher would return to the club in 1982 and would take up a public relations role with the Panthers Leagues Club.
‘For more than four decades, John became one of the most familiar and beloved faces at the club, warmly greeting members and guests and embodying the true spirit of the Panthers community,’ the club wrote.
‘John’s contribution to the Panthers extends far beyond his playing career, reflected in the respect and affection he earned from everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,’ the statement adds.
‘The thoughts of everyone at the Penrith Panthers are with John’s family and friends.’
Farragher was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the sport in the 2016 Australia Day Honours and later went on to be elected as a director at the footy club in 2022.
Panthers Group Chairman, Peter Graham, paid tribute to Farragher on Sunday evening.
‘John Farragher was, and will always be, a cornerstone of the Panthers family. His courage, warmth and commitment to our club inspired generations of players, staff and members,’ Graham said.
‘He was a true gentleman who represented everything our club stands for. We extend our deepest sympathies to John’s family and friends during this difficult time.’
After his injury, Farragher would return to work for the Panthers Leagues Club in 1982, taking up a role in public relations
Fellow Panthers director Bel Leonard also paid tribute to Farragher, stating that he was a ‘true friend’ as well as a colleague.
‘John and I met through the Panthers board and family, but what started as a professional connection quickly became something more. His warmth, his insights, and the real conversations we shared turned a colleague into a true friend,’ she said to the Western Weekender .
‘Not all friendships need decades to matter. Some people just have that rare ability to make you feel heard, to make you think differently, to make an impact that outlasts the brevity of time spent together.
‘John was one of those people.’
