


Just a few notes on David Riding’s career to the best of our knowledge.
Macquarie United 1968 – 1975
*1968 – Graded at Macquarie United via Dora Creek, playing in several positions in the backs including wing and 5/8 in his early years and later in the forwards.
*Played over 150 games, including over 130 in First Grade.
North Newcastle 1976 – 1980.
Dave was a noted tackling machine, playing occasionally lock but in the main second row, culminating in playing a pivotal role in our 1979 Premiership win.
*Played over 100 First Grade games.
*2018 – Elected Life Member of the North Newcastle RLFC.
Dora Creek 1981- Captain/Coach.
Kurri Kurri. 1983.
*Dave has the honour of being one of the very few players in the Newcastle Rugby League to have achieved over 100 first grade games at two clubs, Macquarie United and North Newcastle.
A fantastic achievement.
Funeral details and information to follow.
Congratulations to our former player and Coach Garry Leo (1974-1978) on being awarded an OAM. A fantastic achievement for many years service to Rugby League and the community. See attached notice from the Balmain Tigers.
From the Balmain Tigers.
GARRY LEO OAM
Congratulations to Balmain Tiger No 560 Garry Leo, who was awarded at Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division in the Australia Day Honours for 2023 for service to rugby league and to the community.
A local Balmain junior, Leo played 173 first grade games for Balmain as a front rower, including as part of the 1969 premiership winning team. He was awarded life membership of the club in 1994 and has been a director since 2018.
Post his playing career at the Tigers, Garry captain-coached North Newcastle and has been a member of the Newcastle Hunter Branch of the Family of League (formerly Men of League) Foundation since 2009, and is currently its president. He has also served on the board of the Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance since 2009 and the Leagues Clubs Association of New South Wales.
On behalf of everyone at the Balmain Tigers, congratulations to a true Tiger on your award; a well deserved honour
Our condolences at this time go out to former North Newcastle Captain/Coach Garry Leo and family on the recent passing of his wife Carol. See attached funeral notice for details.