Ray Blacklock dead: Former Penrith, Newtown and Canberra winger loses battle with illness

Rugby league is mourning the death of a “wonderfully talented footballer” after former Penrith, Newtown and Canberra winger Ray Blacklock lost his battle with illness.

Former rugby league winger Ray Blacklock has died, aged 65.

Former Penrith, Newtown and Canberra winger Ray Blacklock has died after a long illness. He was 65.

Born in Oberon, Blacklock played 87 first grade games, including the famous 1981 grand final for Newtown against Parramatta.

He is the uncle of former St George Illawarra try scoring freak, Nathan Blacklock.

Blacklock confronted two major medical issues over the past six years.

John ‘Chicka’ Ferguson and Ray Blacklock as Newtown teammates.

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He had three bones protruding into his spinal cord before doctors then diagnosed him with Multi System Atrophy (MSA) type C, a rare neurological disorder that impairs the body’s involuntary functions. It shares many symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.

In May 2015, Blacklock was told he had 16 months to live.

Asked at the time why he didn’t cry out for help, Blacklock said: “I didn’t think people cared about me anymore. Old news, I just gave up on myself.”

Blacklock formed an iconic wing combination with fellow Jets winger, John ‘Chicka’ Ferguson, during a brief stint at Henson Park in 1981 and 1982.

“Ray was a great bloke and a wonderfully talented footballer.” former Panthers teammate Lou Zivanovic said.

“He lived life to the full and will be a sad loss for his family, friends and rugby league.”

Ray Blacklock in 2015. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Blacklock in action in the 1980s.

He was on the SCG when the infamous semi-final brawl erupted between his Jets and Manly. Newtown advanced to the grand final that year but eventually fell 20-11 to Parramatta, the Eels’ inaugural first grade title.

Organisers of a fundraiser in 2015 raised $160,000 and offered Blacklock the chance to travel anywhere in the world to live a lifelong dream. Instead he chose to meet the NSW State of Origin team, such was his love of rugby league.