Vale Don Furner Senior

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greeneyed
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Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by greeneyed »

Vale Don Furner Senior

The Canberra Raiders would like to acknowledge the passing of inaugural Coach and Life Member Don Furner Senior (1932-2020), who passed away last night following a long battle with illness.

Born in Condobolin, Don had an impressive rugby league career, playing for a range of clubs across both Queensland and New South Wales, including Souths (Toowoomba), Roma, Junee and Queanbeyan.

He represented Queensland on eight occasions and toured England with the 1956-57 Kangaroos.

Forced to retire through injury, he embarked on a highly successful coaching career, taking Eastern Suburbs to a Grand Final in 1972 and piloting the Queanbeyan Blues to a remarkable 10 premierships in 13 years.

Inevitably, Don became a fundamental part of the Raiders' push to enter the NSWRL, recruited by club patriarch Les McIntyre to add genuine credibility to the bid.

He was subsequently named Head Coach when the club entered the competition in 1982.

Furner's wealth of experience as a coach in country football, together with his unmatched ability to spot raw talent, were invaluable in the Raiders' testing early years.

He remained unperturbed, steadily putting together a squad that surprised the League world when it almost made the semi-finals in only its third year.

His recruitment of Mal Meninga in late 1985, which then attracted so much talent to the club, was a masterstroke.

Head Coach until the end of 1986, Don took the team to a Grand Final (with co-coach Wayne Bennett) in 1987.

In a matter of a few years he had laid the foundations of the club for the long-term future, foundations based on open, attacking football, hard work and mateship.

Raiders Chairman Dr Allan Hawke paid tribute to Furner and said he had the unique distinction at excelling in multiple roles in rugby league.

“Don Furner Senior was a fundamental piece of the architecture in putting our club together,” Dr Hawke said.

“He distinguished himself as a player, an exemplary Coach and then as an administrator.

“Very few people would have the gift to excel in all the facets of rugby league, but Don Furner Senior did.”

Read more: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2020/02 ... er-senior/
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Ilanraiders »

RIP Champ!!
"Learn to appreciate what you have, before time makes you appreciate what you had"!! RAIDERSTILLIDIE!!
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Botman »

Put simply, this club would not have ever existed, let alone survive some of the things it has without this man
A great RL man, a great Canberrian, and a wonderful family man.

A tough loss for that Furner's, and the Raiders family.

RIP and thank you, Don.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by greeneyed »

RIP Don and sincere condolences to his sons Don and David and all his family.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by simo »

Thoughts with the Furner family. Thanks for everything Don Snr
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by afgtnk »

The man helped to build this club from the ground up and laid the foundations for what was to become one of the greatest teams in Rugby League history - enough said.

Rest in peace Don Furner.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Bay53 »

A massive part of the history of the Canberra Raiders.

Has been in a bad way for some time.

Condolences to Don, Dave and all the family.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

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Death of an icon: Godfather of the Canberra Raiders Don Furner has died, aged 87

The Canberra Raiders have announced the passing of inaugural coach and club legend Don Furner, who died on Monday night.

In a statement released on Tuesday the club said: “The Canberra Raiders would like to acknowledge the passing of inaugural Coach and Life Member Don Furner Senior (1932-2020), who passed away last night following a long battle with illness.

Read more: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... 2459733129

Canberra Raiders inaugural coach Don Furner Snr dies after long battle with illness

The Canberra Raiders are mourning the loss of one of the club's most influential figures after Don Furner snr lost a long battle with illness on Monday night.

He was widely regarded as one of the best rugby league minds in Australia and had a huge impact in luring Mal Meninga to Canberra to start the Raiders' golden era.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... sses-away/

Canberra Raiders inaugural coach Don Furner Senior dies age 87: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/canberra-r ... 2d0b87c837
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Brew »

RIP Don and condolences to the Furner Family.

Hopefully the club honour him with something on our jerseys like they did with Les


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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

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‘He played an instrumental part in my life’: Mal Meninga leads tributes to Canberra Raiders inaugural coach Don Furner

Canberra Raiders great Mal Meninga has hailed the impact of the late Don Furner Snr.

“It’s such sad news, Don was instrumental in getting me to the Riaders along with John McIntyre, I know he'd been ill for a while, but it’s still very sad to see him pass. He’s played a really important part in my life, and at Canberra, and I’m forever thankful for him giving me that opportunity to go there.

Read more: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... 6c8e9f59cb

Don Furner’s walkie talkie moment with Wayne Bennett will go down in rugby league folklore

Don Furner’s passing at the age of 87 on Monday night brought back memories of his infamous use of walkie talkies with assistant coach Wayne Bennett back in 1987. As the legend goes the pair spent $5,000 on walkie talkies ahead of the Grand Final against Manly.

Read more: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... 574008f489

'I owe him so much': The golden legacy of Don Furner Senior: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/arthur-bee ... b18dab553b
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Seiffert82 »

Sad news. I agree with the above sentiments. His presence at the club as our inaugural head coach gave us instant credibility in the League.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

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Former Canberra Raiders captain and Queanbeyan Blues captain-coach Terry Campese plays tribute to the late Don Furner Snr

Terry Campese has paid tribute to former Raiders and Blues coach Don Furner.

"He did a lot for rugby league with the Blues and the Raiders and was heavily involved with a lot of people that I played with. He was great for the game and definitely grew it in our region. He's left a legacy and it's very sad for all involved."

Read more: https://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/6 ... the-blues/

Vale Don Furner Snr

The NRL has today paid tribute to Don Furner Snr, a former player, coach and administrator, who passed away yesterday following a long illness.

Furner Snr was Canberra Raiders’ inaugural coach, as well as a legendary administrator for the Club.

Furner Snr’s distinguished playing career saw him represent Queensland as well as the 1956-57 touring Kangaroos outfit. He also coached the Kangaroos between 1986 and 1988, and was Australian Chairman of Selectors.

“Don was one of those rare gifts to the game which allowed him to excel as a player, as a coach and a fine administrator,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.

“Very few have been able to do that in Rugby League.

“Don will be missed but he will always have a place in the game as one of the founding figures of the Raiders, along with other significant achievements.

“On behalf of the game I offer my sincerest condolences to Don’s family and friends, particularly his sons David and Don who have also made significant contributions to the sport.”

Don Furner Snr’s official record: https://mcusercontent.com/05c80eb8ee982 ... nerDon.pdf

NRL media release

Read more: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/02/25/val ... urner-snr/

League fans mourn death of Don Furner Sr at 87: https://aboutregional.com.au/league-fan ... -sr-at-87/
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Lucky »

Very sad. RIP Don.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Walt Flanigan »

You played a good innings Don. RIP.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by hrundi89 »

Vale Don Sr.

Also...3 of the same ads in the middle of the article were slightly distracting.
You may remember me from such forum usernames as hrundi99 and... hrundi99.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Chicka Chicka Chicka »

Condolences to the Furner family.

A very sad day for this mighty club which Don made such a significant contribution towards. As a Raiders fan, Id like to say thank you Don. RIP.
Last edited by Chicka Chicka Chicka on February 25, 2020, 4:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Northern Raider »

A true legend. He was a key component in the rise of the Raiders in late 80's.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Johno »

Great servant of our great club, RIP Don
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by greeneyed »

Andrew Voss will present a special tribute to Don Furner tonight on Fox League with a screening at 7:00pm of the 1987 Grand Final and at 8:00pm of the First Test of the 1986 Kangaroo Tour.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

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Vale Don Furner, dynasty builder, Canberra Raiders founder and recruitment guru

Don Furner laid the foundations for two of the code's greatest modern dynasties, was a driving force behind the establishment of the Canberra Raiders and had a huge influence on the careers of Wayne Bennett, Arthur Beetson, Glenn Lazarus and many others.

"I don't believe I would be where I am today or have done what I have done without that year with him," Wayne Bennett said.

Read more: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/02/25/val ... ment-guru/

Ricky Stuart pays tribute to mentor and Canberra Raiders pioneer Don Furner

Ricky Stuart has offrered high praise for inaugural Canberra Raiders coach and former Kangaroos mentor Don Furner Sr after his death following a long illness.

"He had such a massive impact on the club and was around the club for many, many years after he finished coaching here before he did get quite ill," Stuart said on Tuesday.

Read more: https://www.espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id/ ... don-furner

VIDEO: Ricky Stuart pays tribute to Don Furner Snr: Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart paid tribute earlier to his friend, the late Don Furner Senior: https://www.raiders.com.au/news/2020/02 ... urner-snr/
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by dubby »

RIP Don.

Thank you for everything.

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If you do not speak, you are not being neutral, but are contributing to the success of the thing you refuse to name and condemn.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Coastalraider »

#doitforDon
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Brewdle »

Thank you champion, rest easy


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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

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'Absolute gentleman': Bennett leads tributes to Raiders icon

There are many lessons Wayne Bennett learnt about man management working alongside Don Furner Snr in his first year as a top-grade coach but one immediately springs to mind - handling the switch of Ivan Henjak to halfback, and the fall out for Chris O'Sullivan.

“I learnt a lot. How to handle players better, be more conciliatory at some stages. So we got the job done and made the grand final.”

Read more: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/ ... 5445b.html

Kevin Walters lauds former Canberra Raiders coach Don Furner Snr's impact on rugby league: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

VIDEO: Canberra Raiders mentor Ricky Stuart pays tribute to the Green Machine's inaugural coach, Don Furner Snr. WIN News Canberra reports. Click here: http://ow.ly/QKoy50yv3tB

#NRL #WeAreRaiders #wearecbr
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by edwahu »

RIP and thanks Don.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by EJ »

RIP Don. And thank you.

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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by greeneyed »

greeneyed wrote: February 25, 2020, 6:02 pm 'Absolute gentleman': Bennett leads tributes to Raiders icon

There are many lessons Wayne Bennett learnt about man management working alongside Don Furner Snr in his first year as a top-grade coach but one immediately springs to mind - handling the switch of Ivan Henjak to halfback, and the fall out for Chris O'Sullivan.

“I learnt a lot. How to handle players better, be more conciliatory at some stages. So we got the job done and made the grand final.”

Read more: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/ ... 5445b.html

Kevin Walters lauds former Canberra Raiders coach Don Furner Snr's impact on rugby league: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

VIDEO: Canberra Raiders mentor Ricky Stuart pays tribute to the Green Machine's inaugural coach, Don Furner Snr. WIN News Canberra reports. Click here: http://ow.ly/QKoy50yv3tB

#NRL #WeAreRaiders #wearecbr
That's a great story about Chris O'Sullivan and Ivan Henjak. I've heard most stories, but never that one! That is one of the best articles of the day.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by raiderskater »

Rest well, Don, the father of our club.
And to all the people who doubted me, hello to them as well. - Mark Webber, Raiders Ballboy and Unluckiest F1 Driver Ever

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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by bonehead »

RIP Great Man

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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Seiffert82 »

greeneyed wrote: February 25, 2020, 6:26 pm
greeneyed wrote: February 25, 2020, 6:02 pm 'Absolute gentleman': Bennett leads tributes to Raiders icon

There are many lessons Wayne Bennett learnt about man management working alongside Don Furner Snr in his first year as a top-grade coach but one immediately springs to mind - handling the switch of Ivan Henjak to halfback, and the fall out for Chris O'Sullivan.

“I learnt a lot. How to handle players better, be more conciliatory at some stages. So we got the job done and made the grand final.”

Read more: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/ ... 5445b.html

Kevin Walters lauds former Canberra Raiders coach Don Furner Snr's impact on rugby league: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

VIDEO: Canberra Raiders mentor Ricky Stuart pays tribute to the Green Machine's inaugural coach, Don Furner Snr. WIN News Canberra reports. Click here: http://ow.ly/QKoy50yv3tB

#NRL #WeAreRaiders #wearecbr
That's a great story about Chris O'Sullivan and Ivan Henjak. I've heard most stories, but never that one! That is one of the best articles of the day.
Yep. Actually it's hands down the article of the year for me. Great insight into how Furner directly influenced Bennett's entire coaching philosophy.

Also highlights how sensitive many players are. Sully was definitely a classic 5/8. That move ultimately kept O'Sullivan in the team and kept Daley out of the position for the 89-91 Grand Finals.
Last edited by Seiffert82 on February 25, 2020, 10:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by RedRaider »

Thank you Don. You made the Raiders. Sincere condolences to the Furner family. A true Rugby League man now passes into eternity. His legacy is forever in the hearts of Raiders fans.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by -PJ- »

Well played Don. We owe you everything, you gave us this fantastic club we all love..

Rest easy champion.

Sincere condolences to the Furner family.
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Canberra Raiders to honour Don Furner Snr for NRL season

The Canberra Raiders will likely wear black arm bands on Saturday, but Raiders officials are working to finalise the best way to honour Don Furner Snr's life through the year. The Raiders had Les McIntyre's named stitched on to their jerseys for every game of the season after the Green Machine's founding father died in 2009.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

'A wonderful mentor': Canberra Raiders remember Don Furner Snr

Mal Meninga thinks of the man who lured him to Canberra and the first thing that springs to mind is the smile on Don Furner Snr's face.

"Nothing would rattle him too much," Meninga said. "He was always approachable and always concerned about not only your performance, but how your family was going.It was a good family atmosphere he created.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

John McIntyre remembers late Canberra Raiders legend Don Furner Snr

My father Les McIntyre may have done all the hackwork. But there is no way known he would have even thought about lodging a team from this area in the NSWRL without the presence of Don Furner Snr. That's the bottom line of the foundation of the Canberra Raiders.

Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

Kevin Walters lauds former Canberra Raiders coach Don Furner Snr's impact on rugby league: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239

'A gift to the game': NRL lauds Canberra Raiders legend Don Furner Snr: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/ ... /?cs=14239
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Love4Noa »

If you're building statues at new stadiums for the sporting elite of the ACT - this wouldn't be a bad one showing the impact of non players.
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Re: Vale Don Furner Senior

Post by Bay53 »

Furner arguably set up two of the great sides of the 70s 80s and 90s.

He took Easts to a Grand Final and then had them set up perfectly to win premierships Under Jack Gibson and then did the same for Tim Sheens at the Raiders 15 years later.

Was also a champion boxer in his day.
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