OBITUARY - Merv Wright (1942-2015)
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The Maitland Pickers have lost one of their favourite sons.
Popular premiership winning winger Merv Wright died in his sleep overnight on Thursday.
He was 73.
Wright was a talented footballer in the 1960s and 1970s who would light up the field in both attack and defence, but his captain-coach Terry Pannowitz said it was his attributes as a person that stood him apart.
“He was my footballing hero,” Pannowitz said. “He was a very talented player but your football prowess comes and goes.
“It’s who you are as a person that always remains and he was a wonderful person.
“Just a fantastic ambassador for rugby league, the Aboriginal community and for the city of Maitland. Merv Wright is someone you can’t replace.”
Wright, who was born in Kempsey and played President’s Cup for South Sydney, came to Maitland after representing Western division in Newcastle in 1964.
He joined the Pickers the following year and halfback Brian Burke, who debuted the same season said it was a perfect match.
“Merv Wright is the Pickers greatest import,” Burke said.
“He was just an exciting player to watch - tough as nails, quick on his feet and the best front on defender I ever played with.”
One highlight was a memorable grand final defensive performance against Lakes star Jim Porter, who later went on to represent Australia.
Wright played in four premiership campaigns for Maitland from 1965, which included a run of five straight deciders between 1969 and 1973.
He also represented Newcastle alongside the likes of Pannowitz, Burke and rugby league immortal Johnny Raper.
A few months ago Wright was named in the Pickers top 20 players of all time.
He was given a standing ovation by the crowd as he slowly made his way to the stage and with a tear in his eye he waved to the crowd and simply said “thank you”.
“That was a proud moment for our family,” Wright’s daughter Robyn Atkins said.
“Everybody just loved him.”
Wright suffered from Alzheimer’s disease in recent times and died at home in Metford.
He is survived by Sue, his partner of 43 years, and seven children – Richard, Joanne, Bud, Robyn, Darren, Wayne and Matthew.
His funeral will be held at Maitland Sportsground on Friday at 11am.
– Josh Callinan