The legendary Jack Gibson, the original "super coach" who spent three seasons at the helm of the Sharks in the 1980s, will join Wayne Bennett as the first Coaches inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame.
The NRL announced on Tuesday that Gibson and Bennett, along with famed administrators Ken Arthurson and John Quayle and broadcast icons Frank Hyde and David Morrow as Contributors, will be formally elevated to the Hall of Fame in a special ceremony on Wednesday, August 21 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Gibson won five premierships as a coach with Eastern Suburbs (1974-75) and Parramatta (1981-83). He won 245 of 394 games as a first-grade coach for a winning percentage of 62.2. He also coached New South Wales in 1989-90, claiming a series victory in 1990.
Gibson's career at Premiership level spanned 20 years; he coached Eastern Suburbs (1967-68 and 1974-76), St George (1970-71), Newtown (1973), South Sydney (1978-79), Parramatta (1981-83) and Cronulla (1985-87).
"It is an historic moment for the game to recognise for the first time the extraordinary contribution of two legendary coaches, Jack Gibson and Wayne Bennett," ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys AM said.
"Wayne is the ultimate people manager. He has the rare ability to get the best of a player, no matter their background. Players who come from hard times or players who have everything, Wayne takes them to another level. He can make every player the most important in the team. He has a rare presence that gains the attention of all demographics.
"Jack was just the first super coach. He took calculated risks that always seemed to pay off. Jack was innovative and futuristic and was ahead of his time. His one liners were legendary."
While Gibson's tenure at the Sharks didn't result in the club's long-awaited maiden premiership or a finals appearance, he left an indelible mark.
Then-secretary Peter Riley wrote in the 1987 Annual Report: "Season 1987 saw the completion of Jack Gibson's term as head coach. Although unsuccessful in the quest for the title, he left the Club in a far better position and more united than when he arrived. This surely is the measuring stick when we talk of success."
Upon departing the Sharks, Gibson famously uttered the line: "Waiting for Cronulla to win a premiership is like leaving the porch light on for Harold Holt."
That light was finally turned off in 2016, almost 30 years after Gibson's stint.
A long-time Sutherland Shire resident and an indisputable giant of the game, Gibson died aged 79 on May 9, 2008.
