Vale – North Sydney Centre & Union International Len Diett

Rugby Union International and North Sydney five-eighth Leonard Diett has passed away on the 13th January 2018.

Many of us can relate to Len’s handwritten note (left) and it is a tribute to Len that despite his tremendous achievements in Rugby Union he also had a passion for the North Sydney club.

Len grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and played his first football [League] for Manly-Warringah.

However, it was via the Manly union side that Len quickly rose the football ranks captaining an U21s side at age 17, and garnering a senior spot at 18. At age 19 he became captain.

It was 1959, and he became the youngest player at 19 to be selected in the Australian Wallabies.

According to a 1962 article in the Sydney Morning Herald R.U. ‘RESIGNED’ TO LOSS OF DIETT, Len’s signing to Norths coincided with another milestone, marriage.

Again the Herald, together with a photo of his medical, reported Diett Replaces Injured Lisle In N.S.W.R.L. Side. And so the “stockily built school teacher” added a rep honour to his legacy.

Between 1962 and 1966 Len played 46 games for the North Sydney Bears scoring 7 tries for 21 points.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Len’s life to be held at Seagulls Rugby League Club, Ballina at 2 pm Saturday 20th January 2018.