Family, friends and the wider Group 10 community on Thursday farewelled a legend of Country Rugby League, Jock Schrader.
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Schrader was known as a farmer, family man, publican and one of the driving forces behind the Oberon Tigers’ unrivaled success throughout the 1960s and ‘70s, where the club won 10 of 11 first grade premierships between 1961 and 1971.
Schrader coached the Tigers in the 1969 and 1970 title wins.
The club released a statement late last week farewelling a player who will “forever be a hero to every generation of Oberon players and supporters”.
“Rest in Peace Jock Schrader, the Prince of Oberon Rugby League,” the statement concluded.
A prodigious five-eighth labelled so “talented he could do everything”, Schrader was the best footballer many throughout that glittering era of rugby league in Group 10 played against and alongside.
Teammate John ‘Bull’ Harvey is one of those players.
He said Schrader’s talent was so immense he should have been playing for Australia, not Oberon.
But as was the case throughout that era, pride in country footy often trumped even the highest of representative honours.
"It's no doubt Jock should have been the Australian five-eighth through the 60s," Bull said in a social media post honouring his mate.
"But along with a whole bunch of champion young Tigers of the 60s, the bright lights of Sydney weren't so bright.
“Players stayed in Oberon to work on their farms, stay close to family and play for the greatest Australian country league team - the Oberon Tigers.
"Don't worry, a lot of Oberon players in the ‘60s were offered big money to play for Sydney clubs, but chose not to.
"Jock was an inspiration to his teams; he had the ability to sum up a situation and capitalise on the opposition’s weaknesses.
“His determination and long raking kicks and strong defence were his strengths."
Schrader coached Oberon Tigers first grade in 1968, 1969 and 1970 and again in 1974 and 1985.
He represented Group 10, Western Division, toured New Zealand with Country and played with Country Firsts in 1965, 1966 and 1968.
Schrader was awarded Local Legend of the Year at Oberon's Australia Day awards in 2009. He was recognised for his contribution to rugby league in Oberon and also his achievement as an A grade cricketer.
Jock is survived by his wife Jane and daughters Sally and Nicky.
A service of thanksgiving will be held at the Oberon RSL Club on June 14 at 11am.