Legend of Wests Tigers farewell
He was included in the Century Team of Wests Tigers.
Paul Sironen has been associated with the Tigers for over thirty years, but that period is finally ended as the legend departs the team.
Sironen began his playing career in the lower divisions of Balmain. He joined the Balmain Tigers in 1985 and played in 246 games for the team between 1985 and 1998. In 1998, he was selected for the Wests Tigers Team of the Century.
As a result, he participated in back-to-back Grand Finals in 1988 and 1989 and left his mark on the squad alongside Steve Roach, Wayne Pearce, Benny Elias, and Garry Jack.
Sironen, who mostly plays in the front row or back row, participated in 14 games for New South Wales and 21 Test matches for Australia.
The 58-year-old would stay on at the team for the following 20 years in a variety of capacities, including routes manager and board member, after his playing career ended.
Through the club’s website, Sironen stated, “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.”
Over the course of almost three decades, I’ve had a lot of fun at this club and we’ve made some friends for life.
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 excited to start a new chapter in our lives as we move to the NSW North Coast.
“I’ll try to attend as many games as I can, and the Tigers will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Last Friday, over a hundred friends, former teammates, and coworkers came together to say goodbye to the legend in the Chairman’s Lounge at Leichhardt.
At Leichhardt Oval on Friday, Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe paid tribute to Sironen, adding that the club, with whom he spent more than half of his life, had benefited greatly from his contribution.
“He’s had a profound influence on our club both on and off the field and his contributions will continue to resonate for years to come,” he stated.
“We wish Paul and his family all the happiness in the world in their next phase in life.”
