John ‘Rocket’ Redwood mourned by Maroochydore Swans after major health battle

Tributes have flowed for Maroochydore Swans gatekeeper John “Rocket” Redwood who once told Cooper Cronk’s dad to pay up or be denied entry into the Wises Road grounds.

Maroochydore Swan's gatekeeper and loyal servant John ‘Rocket’ Redwood has died after a long battle with cancer.

A “knockabout larrikin” who once told Cooper Cronk’s dad to pay up or be denied entry into the Maroochydore Swans grounds has died after a cancer battle.

Tributes have flowed for Swans’ clubman and former gatekeeper John “Rocket” Redwood, who died on Sunday.

Mr Redwood had been part of the furniture at the Swans since the early 1970s, first as a player and then a dedicated volunteer.

The 70-year-old spent time “on and off” as a committee member and enjoyed a stint as the club’s vice president.

He was most well-known in Sunshine Coast Rugby League circles for manning the gate for his mighty Swans.

Mr Redwood had a simple but strict policy: unless you were playing, you had to pay.

John “Rocket” Redwood was been described as a larrikin by loved ones at Maroochydore Swans.

Swans junior president Paul McMillan said even NRL great Cooper Cronk’s father Rick experienced Mr Redwood’s direct nature.

“Rocket called a spade a spade,” Mr McMillan said.

“One time the (Melbourne) Storm reserves were playing here, Cronk was injured so not with the main squad and his parents came to watch.

He said Mr Redwood told him he had to pay.

“Eventually after going back and forth Cooper was called up over the loudspeaker to resolve it,” Mr McMillan said.

“He (Cooper) took it well.”

Swans’ senior president Simon Graye described Mr Redwood as a knockabout bloke who was “honest, straight forward and occasionally grumpy”.

Mr Graye said the club was saddened by his death.

“He got on with everyone,” Mr Graye said.

“Especially the players, he just loved everyone who pulled on a Swannies jersey.”

He said Mr Redwood volunteered because he loved being a part of the club.

“Everyone liked him, the other clubs too,” he said.

Cooper Cronk’s father Rick was once told to pay up by John Redwood when he tried to get into the Maroochydore Swans grounds without paying. Picture: Toby Zerna

Mr Graye said the Melbourne Storm under-20s squad were also given the same treatment.

Each player had to fork out $5 to get in after being denying entry despite the youngsters playing at Wises Road that day.

They had arrived in their kits but it didn’t matter.

“I’ll never forget that day,” Mr Graye said.

“It was a running joke that no one got in for free without a player’s pass.”

Mr McMillan said the wife of a former NRL player who lives on the Sunshine Coast was also denied entry.

“Rocket would just say ‘I don’t care who you are’,” Mr McMillan said.

“It was classic.”

Mr McMillan said Mr Redwood’s biggest passion was the green and black of Maroochydore.

“He always enjoyed the boys’ company and would sing all the old songs that the new generations wouldn’t know, it really got the crowd going,” Mr McMillan said.

Mr Redwood’s playing days included stints at Maroochydore Centrals, Nambour All Whites and Maroochydore Swans in 1973.

He earned the nickname Rocket after being likened to former St George Dragons great Rod “Rocket” Reddy.

Mr McMillan said Mr Redwood’s health had deteriorated in the past month.

“He received treatment but unfortunately he passed away, the last month he was very ill,” Mr McMillan said.

The Swans’ A-grade side found out about his death at halftime during their match against Stanley River Wolves on Sunday.

Mr Graye said the players would use the loss as inspiration ahead of their finals campaign.

“They loved him and will want to do well for his memory,” Mr Graye said.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised however a memorial service at Wises Road will be held at a later date.

Cronk’s manager was approached for comment.

Originally published as John ‘Rocket’ Redwood mourned by Maroochydore Swans after major health battle