Saying goodbye to Siro at Leichhardt
Not only is he one of the most recognizable figures in rugby league, but he’s also quite popular.
At Leichhardt Oval on Friday, the huge man known as “Siro,” who played 248 games for his beloved Balmain Tigers, received an emotional farewell.
Last month, Sironen announced his resignation as Wests Tigers Pathways Manager (Balmain), preparing for the next phase of his life—a sea shift, if you will—on the NSW North Coast.
And just as Siro would have wanted it to happen—a Friday afternoon at Leichhardt with a couple chilled beers and no pomp or extravagant drinks.
Sironen remarked, “This is really nice, and I couldn’t think of a better way to say farewell.”
“This is exactly what I wanted as a farewell gift, and the club asked what I might like.”
It’s time for a change, even if it’s played a significant role in my family’s lives and in my own.
“We are excitedly anticipating the next stage of our lives and are moving to the NSW North Coast.
“I’ll try to attend as many games as I can, and the Tigers will undoubtedly always hold a special place in my heart.”
In the Chairman’s Lounge at Leichhardt, almost a hundred of Siro’s friends, former teammates, and coworkers convened to exchange stories and reminisce.
A number of current and former players were present, including Steve Blocker Roach, one of his “besties,” and the 2024 NRL team.
During their eight seasons together as teammates, Roach and Sironen were part of the Tigers’ consecutive grand final defeats in 1988 and 1989.
Additionally, they frequently traveled together for NSW in Origin and the Kangaroos.
In a brilliant career filled with accomplishments, Siro’s biggest disappointment has been not winning a grand final, as he stated earlier this year on the Wests Tigers official podcast, Behind The Roar.
The big guy says he believed the title was theirs to take after finding himself on the receiving end of a fantastic team try in the 1989 championship game, leading the Raiders 12-2 at the half. It was not to be, sadly.
Ever since he was selected as one of the select few to feature in the ARL’s Simply The Best campaign in the 1980s, Sironen, a man-mountain of Finnish heritage, has contributed greatly to the game.
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Much of his life has also been devoted to the Tigers, of both the Wests and Balmain varieties.
The 58-year-old bit-part actor from Lowes Menswear has actually spent more than half of his life connected to the club.
Before spending twenty years in a variety of positions at Wests Tigers, including manager of pathways and board member, Siro participated in more games than any other player in Balmain Tigers history.
At Leichhardt Oval on Friday afternoon, Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe paid tribute to Sironen, stating that his commitment to the team has been essential.
“Paul’s transition from a stellar playing career to nurturing young talent has been a testament to his commitment to our sport and this club,” Pasco stated.
“We wish Paul and his family all the happiness in the world in their next phase in life.”
Regards, Sirro. Not farewell. Simply say goodbye.
