'Lost someone very special': Dick Poole, Australia's oldest living Kangaroo, dies aged 94

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys has paid tribute to Australia's oldest living Kangaroo, Dick Poole, who died at the age of 94.

Poole died of natural causes surrounded by family late last week with mourners attending his funeral on Friday.

He served as Australia's captain-coach for the 1957 World Cup, the first time the tournament was held in Australia.

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Poole played 13 Tests for Australia and also 115 premiership games for Newton between 1950 and 1958.

He also played 31 matches for Wests over two seasons from 1958-1960.

With the clipboard, Poole coached Newtown through two different stints in 1955-58 and 1966-68.

"The game has lost someone very special," Mr V'landys said.

"Dick Poole was our oldest living Kangaroo, and a wonderful part of the history of the game. He was also the last surviving member of the 1956-57 Kangaroos.

"Dick was a gifted player, and spoke even very recently about his pride in representing his country. He was also captain-coach of Australia's victorious 1957 World Cup team.

"On behalf of the Commission, I extend our sincerest condolences to Dick's family, and all those who knew him."