Maguire pays credit to late John Chalk

Wests Tigers Coach Michael Maguire paid credit to the late John Chalk as a major influence on himself personally and in the NRL as the club's NRL squad attended his funeral on Friday.

The former Australian Rugby League and New South Wales Rugby League Charman, Chalk was the inaugural Chair of the Wests Tigers Board after serving as the Chairman of Balmain Tigers for many years – beginning in 1985.

Ahead of his side's Round 21 clash against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Maguire highlighted Chalk's role in the game and his standing to this day.

“I’m very big on the history of clubs and wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for someone like John Chalk,” Maguire said.

“Hence the suit today because we’re going to go pay our respects.

"Robbie and Benji came to me to say it be nice if we could all go, so we’re all going to go across and be there for John at the funeral.

“I think people like that make our game.

"For myself, I look up to those sorts of people because he was able to do so much for the game itself and is very well regarded.

"I spent 12 months out last year in and around the NRL and a lot of people spoke about John Chalk and what he’s done for the club.”

The thoughts of all at Wests Tigers are with John's family at this time.