Frank Hyde dies, aged 91
Monday, September 24, 2007 - 10:21 AM
Legendary rugby league caller Frank Hyde has died, aged 91.
Hyde, who had a stroke earlier this year, died on Sunday night at the Peter Cosgrove House nursing home at Narrabeen in Sydney's north, an NRL spokesman said.
Hyde played for the Newtown Jets, Balmain Tigers and North Sydney Bears before making his name as a sports broadcaster, calling the game for Sydney station 2SM for three decades.
Hyde made his debut for NSW in 1938 and was NSW captain in 1939.
He was captain-coach of North Sydney when they reached the grand final of 1943 and were beaten by Hyde's original club Newtown.
Hyde retired as a player in 1945 but continued coaching and became a qualified referee.
He began calling the game in 1953, where he became a legend with his catch cry of "It's high enough, it's long enough and it's straight between the posts."
Hyde was never beaten in the ratings, retiring after calling his 33rd consecutive grand final in 1986.
He was awarded an MBE in 1974 and was given the Dally M Life achievement award in 1982.
NSW Premier Morris Iemma said he had spoken with Hyde's family and let them know he would be sorely missed.
"He was a great player and built a very long and successful career as a broadcaster, as a tour organiser," Mr Iemma told reporters.
"He was one of rugby league's truly greats.
"A legend on and off the field, and we are saddened
Monday, September 24, 2007 - 10:21 AM
Legendary rugby league caller Frank Hyde has died, aged 91.
Hyde, who had a stroke earlier this year, died on Sunday night at the Peter Cosgrove House nursing home at Narrabeen in Sydney's north, an NRL spokesman said.
Hyde played for the Newtown Jets, Balmain Tigers and North Sydney Bears before making his name as a sports broadcaster, calling the game for Sydney station 2SM for three decades.
Hyde made his debut for NSW in 1938 and was NSW captain in 1939.
He was captain-coach of North Sydney when they reached the grand final of 1943 and were beaten by Hyde's original club Newtown.
Hyde retired as a player in 1945 but continued coaching and became a qualified referee.
He began calling the game in 1953, where he became a legend with his catch cry of "It's high enough, it's long enough and it's straight between the posts."
Hyde was never beaten in the ratings, retiring after calling his 33rd consecutive grand final in 1986.
He was awarded an MBE in 1974 and was given the Dally M Life achievement award in 1982.
NSW Premier Morris Iemma said he had spoken with Hyde's family and let them know he would be sorely missed.
"He was a great player and built a very long and successful career as a broadcaster, as a tour organiser," Mr Iemma told reporters.
"He was one of rugby league's truly greats.
"A legend on and off the field, and we are saddened
