Paul Sironen has been associated with Balmain, presently known as Wests Tigers, for fifty years, and he has left a remarkable legacy.
These days, the word “legend” is frequently used indiscriminately; nonetheless, there will always be one player who stands out from the rest.
As he closes out 50 incredible years at Leichhardt Oval, none other than Balmain Tigers legend Paul Sironen is deserving of the title.
With an astounding 249 games played since making his first-grade debut in 1986, Sironen continues to hold the record for the most club games played at the Tiger’s, and it seems doubtful that this record will ever be surpassed.
Adorably referred to as “Siro,” his final club photo was taken appropriately beneath the renowned Leichardt Oval scoreboard, which he had first crossed over as a child about 50 years earlier.
“I was born into a normal Sydney family and always knew I wanted to play rugby league.
My parents, who are honorable and hardworking individuals, were the ones who initially signed me up for rugby league.
Like many other kids, I was an avid fan of rugby league, collecting footy cards and watching my heroes play on TV.
“But now that I’m fifty years old and officially retired, I realize that I have dedicated my entire life to rugby league,” the player said.
The former Tigers powerhouse may not have had the opportunity to watch him play at all, though, as he once experimented with American Gridiron and became the first Australian youth rugby league player to be awarded a sporting scholarship in Hawaii.
“An NFL talent scout who was searching for big, strong, athletic guys to play in Waikiki, Hawaii, came across my recommendation and asked me to come over for a year on a scholarship.
“I reasoned that it wouldn’t be too horrible to play gridiron football while living in Hawaii.
But after a year, I’d had enough and I wanted to go back home to resume playing rugby league because that’s where my true passion lay. I thus informed my coach that my gridiron career was coming to an end and that I was flying home.
After returning to Australia, Sironen played with legendary Balmain players like Wayne Pearce, Steve Roach, and Benny Elias for the next 14 seasons, emerging as one of the top forwards in the Winfield Cup competition.
Even though his heart was with Balmain, Sironen also thinks back on his experiences playing for Australia and New South Wales, going on three Kangaroo tours, and suffering a devastating Grand Final defeat that still bothers him to this day.
Making my debut in first grade for
Paul Sironen on his legacy at Balmain/Wests Tigers following his 50-year tenure
Mike Simpson November 1, 2024
Paul Sironen has been associated with Balmain, presently known as Wests Tigers, for fifty years, and he has left a remarkable legacy.
These days, the word “legend” is frequently used indiscriminately; nonetheless, there will always be one player who stands out from the rest.
As he closes out 50 incredible years at Leichhardt Oval, none other than Balmain Tigers legend Paul Sironen is deserving of the title.
With an astounding 249 games played since making his first-grade debut in 1986, Sironen continues to hold the record for the most club games played at the Tiger’s, and it seems doubtful that this
The Tigers legend, who represented NSW in 14 games, was also a key member of three different Kangaroo tours from 1986 to 1994.
“I miss those Kangaroo tours so much.
Nothing is more thrilling than packing up and going on a three-month tour with all of your friends.
“Being a member of a top team that included some of the greatest players in the world, the Kangaroo tours were the pinnacle of any player’s career.”
“I don’t think I played my best football that year after touring, and I largely had myself to blame for not giving it my all.”
Moving forward, though, I would have to say that the 1990 tour was my favorite of the three because, at the time, I was playing some really great footy.
“Playing in front of the English crowds opened my eyes as well because they would definitely let you know about any mistakes you made or strong tackles you took!”
Sironen played his final game at Leichhardt in 1998, but he was still putting in a lot of work with Balmain (and later Wests Tigers).
Knowing that it would be my final time donning the Tigers jersey, I had mixed emotions as I completed the lap of honor alongside my children.
But the best thing about performing at a single club is that you truly do feel valued.
But in an odd turn of events, Sironen was persuaded to play one more season by an SOS from the ambitious French rugby league team Villeneuve Leopards.
“I could have given up, but I saw it as a great opportunity to travel throughout Europe while playing football in the south of France.”
Paul Sironen on his legacy at Balmain/Wests Tigers following his 50-year tenure
Mike Simpson November 1, 2024
Paul Sironen has been associated with Balmain, presently known as Wests Tigers, for fifty years, and he has left a remarkable legacy.
These days, the word “legend” is frequently used indiscriminately; nonetheless, there will always be one player who stands out from the rest.
As he closes out 50 incredible years at Leichhardt Oval, none other than Balmain Tigers legend Paul Sironen is deserving of the title.
With an astounding 249 games played since making his first-grade debut in 1986, Sironen continues to hold the record for the most club games played at the Tiger’s, and it seems doubtful that this
