Newtown Jets icon Barry Vining collapses and dies while celebrating their NSWRL grand final win
What was a moment of pure joy has turned to tragedy after the Newtown Jets’ long-time president, Barry Vining suffered a suspected heart attack and died following their win in the NSWRL grand final on Sunday.
The Jets club, supporters and local community are in shock following the news that one of their finest administrators and the backbone of the club for decades, passed away at what should have been a moment of celebration.
Vining reportedly suffered a heart attack shortly after Newtown secured victory over the North Sydney Bears and a historic 28-22 grand final victory.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Daily Telegraph is reporting that Vining, who had led the Jets for 32 years, was watching the game from home with his wife Vicki and family when he jumped up in excitement following the win.
Moments later, he collapsed and, despite the best efforts of paramedics, sadly did not survive.
“He was so excited, he’s 85 now, he was so excited that it literally gave him a heart attack and sadly he was with his lovely wife Vicki and his family all watching at home there,” a close friend of the family told Ben Fordham 2GB radio.
“They’ve had to work on him as much as they could, an ambulance was called and they worked on him and sadly he didn’t make it.”
While the Jets community grieves, Rob emphasised how fitting it was for Barry to pass during such a pivotal moment for the team he cherished so dearly.
“I don’t think he could have orchestrated it any better, if he had to go I think that would’ve been the way for Barry absolutely,” he said on 2GB.
“I know it’s a sad time when someone passes but if Barry was to go I don’t think he could have arranged it any better… he lived for that team and that club.”
Barry Vining grew up in Camperdown, a neighbourhood associated with rugby league legend Johnny Raper, and became involved with the Newtown RLFC in the late 1970s.
He served as a director starting in 1980 and became president in 1986, playing a crucial role in keeping the club alive during its difficult years from 1984 to 1990 when it had no teams.
Under his leadership, Newtown re-entered rugby league in 1991, achieved significant success in the 1990s and won the NSW Cup in 2012.
Vining’s presidency is celebrated as a vital part of the club’s survival and resilience in the sport.
