Ron Hilditch
Hooker
Player Bio
- Inducted:
- 2006
- Date of Birth:
- 13 August 1953
- Birthplace:
- Sydney, NSW
- Nickname:
- Hitman
- Debut Team:
- Parramatta
- Date:
- 27 April 1975
- Opposition:
- -
- Venue:
- Lidcombe Oval
- Representative:
- Country, City, New South Wales City Firsts, New South Wales, Australia
- Club:
- Parramatta
Career
Milestones
- Test Series - Australia vs France 1981
- Interstate Series 1981
- NSWRFL Premiership 1981
- Midweek Cup 1980
Biography
Ron made his debut for Parramatta in 1975 and played in Parramatta’s first ever Grand final the following year. He was a hooker in the history-making drawn grand final in 1977 and again in the replay a week later.
In 1981, it was third time lucky for Hilditch as he played in Parramatta’s first-ever premiership victory over Newtown in the Grand final.
An Australian Kangaroo, Hilditch was selected for three internationals, all against France; once in 1978 and twice in 1981, and was selected to represent New South Wales.
He captained Parramatta in the Tooth’s Cup win in 1980. Leg injuries forced Hilditch out of the Eels grand final campaigns and a mid-season shoulder injury finally ended his career in 1983. He came out of retirement three years later to captain-coach Mudgee.
Ron Hilditch spent a year as Parramatta’s reserve grade coach before taking over the First Grade role from Michael Cronin, eventually stepping aside for Brian Smith.
Hall of Fame Members
Parramatta Eels respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.