by Barry Ross
Although he was no superstar of our game, George Daldry is one of Rugby League's most respected men. Now 86 years of age and convalescing after a recent hip operation, George has been involved with the game for more than half a century. In the sixties, seventies and even the 1980s, he was regarded as “The Man”, when it came to fitness for Rugby League players and indeed many other sports. Jack Gibson made use of his services back in the 1960s and his right hand man, Ron Massey, has fond memories of George's work.
"George is a special person," emphasised Ron. “He was looked upon for many years as the number one guru in Rugby League fitness."
"He was only too happy to help anyone and I remember how meticulous he was about cleanliness and personal health."
"In our St. George days, I took dual international Phil Hawthorne to him along with several other players."
"Running up the steps at Centennial Park was one of his favourites."
"He is still a friend and I have socialised with him for many years."
Team of the Century member Bob Fulton is another high profile identity who admires George and his work.
"He was instrumental in the success of any number of players such as Ron Coote, Bob McCarthy and myself."
"When I coached Easts then Manly from 1979 to 1987, he was my trainer/ conditioner and I have no doubt that my sides were the fittest in those times."
"He laid the foundation for physical fitness in Rugby League and he enjoyed great success in many other fields, such as he did with the Olympic and Commonwealth Games rowers."
Other Team of the Century members, Ron Coote, Noel Kelly and John Raper, also hold George in high esteem.
"He never expected you to do anything he wouldn't do," said John.
”I wasn't the only St. George player to benefit from his methods and influence."
"When I coached North Sydney in the 1970s, George got them into shape,” remembered Noel." “He is one of the most respected blokes I have ever met."
"In those days just about everyone trained with him."
Ron recalled what a fantastic motivator George was.
"I still use some of his ideas today," said Ron." He revolutionised training methods and his methods enabled you to push your body further than you thought you could." George was born in Sydney in March 1923 and attended Crown Street Public School. He played Rugby League at school and later when he was in the army, which he joined in 1938. Not long after World War Two began, George was posted to Singapore and then Malaysia. He was captured by the Japanese in Malaysia and sent to the infamous Changi camp. He was in the first group to be taken to Japan, where he spent three of his four years as a Prisoner of War.
"We were on the western side of Japan, not too far from Korea," said George." “It was bitterly cold in winter with plenty of snow."
"We probably survived these conditions because we were packed in very tightly with only about two feet (61 cms) of sleeping space."
"It stunk and we were shoulder to shoulder, but our combined body heat did a lot to keep us alive."
"Time marches on and there are not a lot of us left now."
"I must say that the Veteran Affairs department are very good to us ex-prisoners of war."
There are many stories about George's heroism and his efforts on behalf of his fellow prisoners, during these terrible times. But when asked about some of these incidents, he wouldn't elaborate and simply said, "We were all in the same boat and everyone did what they could for each other."
Not only Rugby League benefited from George's expertise, Rugby Union players also took advantage of his knowledge.
"I know Bob Templeton who was Wallaby coach from 1972 to 1981, did some work with him," said Men of League member and former Wallaby coach Bob Dwyer.
"I was very aware of his ability and several of my players from our
1991 World Cup win, worked out with George."
Simon Poidevin was one of these World Cup winners and he said, "You certainly benefited from training with George."
1975 Wallaby team member to Britain and Men of League member, Stuart MacDougall (8 Wallaby tests) said that many members of this touring team trained with George for several weeks before flying out.
"We thought he was terrific," laughed Stuart, "but he frightened the hell out of us."
"My older brothers, Gary, who played first grade with St. George in
1962 and 1963 during their great 11 year Premiership winning run and Graeme, who played two tests for the Wallabies and then joined Balmain, would often join me as the three of us trained with George."
"I remember after one of these sessions, Gary's arms were so tired, he couldn't lift one to comb his hair."
Over the years, George has helped thousands of people including former US President George Bush senior, Prince Albert of Monaco and Kerry Packer. He has been a member of North Bondi Surf Club for more than 50 years and first worked at City Tattersalls Club (198 Pitt Street) in 1958. Before his hip problem a couple of months ago, George was still taking a class once a month at City Tatts. George never married and today lives at Randwick North, not too far away from the Racecourse.
He is still a keen fitness man and is looking forward to resuming his training schedule in the next few weeks, after he fully recovers from the hip procedure.