MANLY SEA EAGLES MOURN PASSING OF CLUB STALWART GEORGE HUGO, PLAYER #75
Harbord junior who helped secure club’s first premierships and featured in early first-grade grand finals dies aged 93
The Board of the Manly-Warringah Rugby League Football Club is today mourning the passing of George Hugo, a beloved figure in the club’s early history, who died yesterday at the age of 93.
A Manly junior from Harbord, Hugo – player #75 – played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of the Sea Eagles’ success. Graded in 1952, he made his first-grade debut later that same season and went on to enjoy an 11-year career with the club, retiring in 1963 after 190 graded games, including 99 in the top flight as a powerful winger.
In 1952, Hugo was part of Manly’s first ever graded grand final victory in Third Grade – a milestone moment for the young club. He followed this with another premiership in Reserve Grade in 1954, cementing his place as a key contributor to the side’s rising fortunes.
While he tasted success in lower grades, Hugo also played in the club’s inaugural First Grade Grand Finals in 1957 and 1959, though unfortunately fell short of claiming that elusive top-grade glory on both occasions.
“George’s passing marks a sad departure of a Sea Eagles great stalwart through the early chapters of our club,” the Board said in a statement.
On behalf of the Board and members, the MWRLFC has extended its sincere condolences to Hugo’s wife Sandra, children Kim, John, Anna and Glen, as well as his extended family and friends. Both John and Glen are current members of the club.
Hugo will be remembered as a significant figure in the Manly-Warringah story of the 1950s and 60s – a dedicated player who helped shape the club’s identity and set the stage for its future successes.
