With great sadness, we advise New South Wales Touch Association board member, and the inaugural Aileen May medalist Rod Hetherington has passed away.

As many of you know, Rod has been battling cancer over the past few years and lost that battle Thursday evening.

Rod has been a long-term servant of the game, a game that he loved. He was a loyal and influential servant of the Parramatta Touch Association, serving in many roles, from coaching and administration to even picking up a whistle on occasion. He has served as the Eels President for the past 15 years; however, his dedication to the blue and gold stretches back to over 30 years on their committee.

His involvement in the sport stretches back to the 80s when he commenced his playing career at the South Sydney Touch Association.

Many would know Rod for his unwavering support for his beloved Parramatta. However, he has also spent two terms serving the game as the finance director of the New South Wales Touch Association. His contribution in that short period has been immense.

NSWTA Chairman Mark Hearnden reflected on Rod’s contribution:

“Today is a very sad day for our Touch Football community. Rod Hetherington was a good mate to many and one of the great leaders in our sport. Outspoken and tenacious, you knew where Rod stood on most issues. When he joined the Board of the NSWTA 4 years ago, his passion was obvious, as was his enthusiasm to contribute to the success of Touch Football in NSW. Rod’s astute financial leadership was critical to the ongoing viability of our organisation during the heights of the COVID-19 outbreak. This work was over and above what he was doing at the park with Parramatta Touch Association and his contribution there was recently recognised when Rod was awarded the 2022 Aileen May Medal for NSWTA Affiliate President of the Year, although Rod credited Pam for this success as he would.

On behalf of the NSWTA Board, I extend our most sincere condolences to Pam, Jenna and, Ricky and the broader Hetherington family.”

Rod was a genuine all-rounder of the sport, a player, a coach, a referee and an administrator. Along with the Aileen May Medal, he was awarded an NSWTA Blues award in 2014, and guided Parramatta to their only Scorpions Affiliate of the Year in 2010.

Beyond his love of the blue and gold, he also had a hand in regional activities and development, both with the Sydney Scorpions and, more recently, with the Sydney Mets.

To Pam, Jenna, Ricky and the extended family, please accept our love and condolences for the loss of your husband, your father, your grandfather and all of our friend.

The sport lost one of its champions today. Rod Hetherington, may he rest in peace.

Dean Russell

General Manager