What’s the Buzz: Newtown Jets legend Ken Wilson’s devastating cancer battle

Old Newtown Jets legend Kenny Wilson is not sure he’ll be with us much beyond Christmas, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.

Newtown Jets legend Ken Wilson.

These are the hardest columns to write. You’re interviewing someone who hasn’t got long to live.

Old Newtown Jets legend Kenny Wilson is not sure he’ll be with us much beyond Christmas.

The tough halfback is famous for kicking the field goal in the only 1-0 scoreline in rugby league history – Newtown v St George in 1973 – and is battling cancer.

Doctors have indicated he has between two and 12 months left.

Wilson, 71, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three years ago.

It has now spread to his lungs.

Not that he is complaining.

“The doctor is telling me there’s no more treatment,” he says after two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy. “But please don’t write that I’m complaining.”

Newtown Jets legend Ken Wilson is battling cancer.

His attitude is quite extraordinary. His defiance as tough as his football back at Newtown and Penrith in the 1970s and early ’80s.

“You know there are people a lot worse off than me,” he says.

“You’ve only got to go to the cancer clinic. There’s people a lot younger than me doing it a lot tougher.

“I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do. I have seven beautiful grandkids. Four kids of my own. They are my life.”

Ken Wilson with his grandkids (from left) Audrey, Violet and Henry

Wilson scored 1001 points for Newtown, the most in the club’s history, including 28 field goals.

He had a kicking game as good as Nathan Cleary.

Despite the diagnosis, he’s strong and courageous although sometimes struggling for breath as we speak.

“I’m on the last lap,” he says. “Mate, it is what it is.

Ken Wilson had a kicking game as good as Nathan Cleary’s.

“I’m not scared because I’ve had plenty of time to digest it and talk it over with my wife. What can you do? You can kick stones and whinge or accept it for what it is.

“I’ve had a great 71 years and I wouldn’t change a thing.

“The doctors have told me maybe two months, six months or even 12 months but I won’t get any longer.”

There are some wonderful old Jets types rallying around him. Typical of old Newtown, always looking after their own. It’s about the jersey, the logo and the bond.

John Singleton, Phil Sigsworth, big Steve Bowden, Barry Wood and all the old legends.

Singo rings him every week. He’s offered to pay for any treatment or any drug that might get him some extra time.

“Newtown is Newtown,” Wilson said.

“It’s very special. You can’t explain it. You go to a reunion and there’s nearly more people there than used to watch us play. I’m lucky and I really appreciate it. My dad always said to me to treat people the way you want to be treated and I’ve done that.”

Ken Wilson celebrates a win with Newtown teammate Tommy Raudonikis.

We ask Wilson how he’d like to be remembered as a footballer.

A player who was never a Peter Sterling, Tommy Raudonikis or Steve Mortimer but a real footy brain who played for years under tough coach Warren Ryan.

“I could translate what was in Warren’s head on to the football field,” Wilson said.

“Just a regular footballer. Someone who did his best. I had no delusions about being better than what I was. I probably squeezed more out of the orange than most.”

We pass over to Singo for the last word on this brave man.

“Vastly underrated as a footballer,” Singo said. “And just a beautiful bloke.”