League community mourns passing of Harry Eden

The rugby league community today is mourning the passing of Harry Eden who lost his battle with cancer at St George Hospital overnight, aged 64.

Eden played 81 first grade games from 1969-1975, mainly in the forwards. Initially a centre with Eastern Suburbs (Roosters), Harry Eden was put in the front row in the 1971 grand final by St George coach Jack Gibson. Eden put together a powerhouse display for the Dragons in their 16-10 loss to South Sydney and played out the rest of his career in the forwards.

A tough competitor on the field and highly respected off the field, Harry Eden came from a large family of 16 children.

Nephew Matthew Asbeck said Harry Eden?s contributions to friends and family could not be overstated.

?He was much loved and respected by every single family member,? said Mr Asbeck.

?And since he was one of 16 children, you can truly imagine the size of our family.

?He was the ?rock? of the family without any doubt. If anyone needed help Harry was first there with his help.?

After retiring from first grade in 1975, Eden prided himself on his physical fitness and was playing as recently as 2004 when he took part in a fund-raiser for the ?St George Dragons Allstars? [pictured]. Proceeds from the match were donated to the Joanne Mackay Breast Cancer Foundation.

Harry Eden is survived by his wife Carol, and son and daughter Peter and Kim.

Harry Eden Fact File
Easts (1969) 9 games, 3 tries
St George (1971-73) 34 games (including replacements), 7 tries
Souths (1974-75) 38 games, 17 tries