Former Maitland Blacks fullback, Newcastle Wildfires and NSW Country representative Nathan Friis died on Sunday after a long battle with cancer. He was 47.
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One of the Blacks’ favourite sons and most talented players, Friis was an integral part of Maitland’s back-to-back premierships in 1998-99, throwing the pass to send Dan Golan across the line for the winning try in 1998.
“He was one of the best players Maitland has produced and one of the best guys as well,” Blacks president and former teammate Patrick Howard said.
“His playing ability was eclipsed by his character. He was one of those guys who could do anything.
“Our deepest sympathies are with his wife Sally and his children Charlotte and Jimmy.”
Howard said Friis had battled cancer for quite some time and in his true fashion fought tooth and nail right until the end.
Friis’ achievements on the rugby field were unparalleled in Maitland winning multiple premierships. He was the highest point scorer for the NHRU comp three times and part of the inaugural Newcastle Wildfires team..
At representative level he was winner of the NSW Country player of the year three times and representing the Australian Barbarians.
His funeral will be held at Tocal on Monday at a time to be confirmed.
