QRL pays tribute to Wendt, Grossi and Jackson

Queensland Rugby League extends its condolences to the family and friends of Shaun Wendt, John Grossi and Midge Jackson.

QRL History Committee chairman Steve Ricketts today reflects on the contributions made by the trio over many years.

Vale Shaun Wendt

Shaun Wendt's calm demeanour and solid work ethic catapulted him to key positions in rugby league administration in Australia.

A product of Queanbeyan High in New South Wales, Shaun joined the Queensland Rugby League in 1987, at the same time as new coaching director Dennis Ward and future State of Origin manager Michael Pease.

Shaun, a former front rower in Canberra district football, replaced Roger Robinson as Brisbane Division Executive Officer, a position Shaun held until recruited by Super League supremo John Ribot in 1995.

“Shaun played a key role in changes to the way the QRL did business,” former South East Queensland regional manager Michael Pease said this week.

“It was the start of the computer era, and Shaun was across all that, implementing systems for player registrations, competition draws etc. He worked behind the scenes at State of Origin time and was a great contributor.”

The NRL recruited Shaun when the 'Super League War' ended in 1998, and he filled a number of roles in the next 26 years, most recently that of General Manager of Football, Venues and Broadcaster Relations.

His sudden passing on December 4 rocked the rugby league community, with weekend press reports in Sydney carrying tributes to the Illawarra-based father of two boys.

Former Test fullback, Garry Jack describing Shaun as "a true gentleman".

“Shaun met his future wife, Monica, through the QRL offices,” Pease said.

“I'm struggling to make sense of his passing.”

Vale John Grossi

Former Brisbane Easts' forward John Grossi has died after an illness in Thailand, where he lived for some years.

John played first grade for Easts in 1974 under the captaincy of Des Morris and alongside Test hooker, John Lang, and Des's younger brother, Rod, who went on to represent Australia.

John then played for Southport-based Gold Coast Tigers and Surfers Paradise Pirates, before finishing his career at Burleigh Bears. A lock / second rower, he was chosen in the Gold Coast representative side in 1978, a team coached by 'Immortal', Clive Churchill.

With John in the pack, Burleigh won the 1979 Gold Coast first grade premiership under the coaching of Eric Lilley.

Burleigh celebrated its centenary this year, and many people regard the 1979 team as the best in the club's history.

John began his senior football career with Wentworthville in Sydney's west.

Vale Midge Jackson

Midge Jackson was a true cornerstone of the Townsville Rugby League.

Midge, alongside her late husband Dan, devoted countless years to rugby league, giving tirelessly of their time.

Midge’s dedication and passion for rugby league, and for her community, were unwavering.

Her kindness and generosity touched the lives of all who had the privilege to work alongside her.

Midge’s legacy will forever be embedded into the fabric of the Townsville Rugby League and Souths Rugby League Club.