It is with very deep sadness the Manly Marlins announce the sudden passing of their No.1 and greatest supporter of the past 74 seasons, Life member and Marlins ‘royalty’, Judy Cox.
Judy, along with her identical twin sister Annie aged 14, attended their first Manly rugby game at North Sydney Oval in 1948 and never really stopped following the boys in blue.
Judy told her sister she not only liked the game of rugby but she also liked the look of the 18 year old half back, Brian Cox.
Four years after they started dating, Brian and Judy married in 1954.
Brian and Judy had three children Sally, Phillip and Mitchell. Both Phillip and Mitchell had distinguished rugby careers like their father and all three played for Manly, NSW and the Wallabies.
A record only bettered by the McLean family of Queensland.
Judy’s loyalty to the club as an early volunteer and supporter for life will unlikely be surpassed.
Even well after her sons and nephews stopped playing in the 1980s and 90s Judy never stopped supporting the Marlins in both home and away games.
Her devotion to the Manly Rugby Club was recognised only a few weeks ago at the Marlins v Rats 100th Derby with a presentation of a framed picture honouring her own 100th Derby and 74 years of Marlins support.
Judy received huge applause from the healthy rugby crowd.
The Marlins have lost a legend today.
The end of an era really but no doubt Judy will be looking down when the Marlins take on Minor Premiers Northern Suburbs in the Qualifying Final at North Sydney Oval this Saturday.
The very same ground where her love affair with the Manly Marlins started 74 years ago.
RIP Judy Cox (1934- 2022)