Jack Gibson has been named the Coach for Rugby League’s Team of the Century.

Nominations for the coaching position included but were not restricted to: Pony Halloway, Duncan Thompson, Vic Hey, Bob Bax, Jack Gibson, Harry Bath, Warren Ryan, Bob Fulton, Wayne Bennett and Phil Gould.

Notes on the Coach of the Century:

Jack GIBSON

Position: Coach
Clubs: Eastern Suburbs: 1967-68, 74-76; St George 1970-71; Newtown 1973; Souths 1978-79; Parramatta 1981-83; Cronulla 1985-87.      
Representative matches: NSW 1989-90.

Jack Gibson was the man who would revolutionise the position of coach and the former Easts, Newtown and Western Suburbs front-rower kicked it off with a bang in 1967. The Roosters hadn’t won a game in 1966 when the slow-talking Jack put them in the fast lane to the semi-finals in his first year.

He made numerous trips to the United States, bringing back the latest coaching technology and a seemingly endless supply of laconic one-liners.

His Roosters teams in 1974-75 and the Parramatta sides of 1981-83 are regarded as some of the most brilliant club teams ever assembled. Each had its share of talent but each included selection gambles that set Jack apart from everyone in his era. He would finish with five Premierships from six grand finals.