Fred 'Punchy' Griffiths (born in Rhodesia — died Tuesday 18 April 2000 in Perth, Western Australia) was a professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s, and coach of the 1960s. A South Africa international representative back, he played his club football in England for Wigan and in Australia for North Sydney, who he also captained and coached.
A fullback and skillful goal-kicker, Griffiths, nicknamed "Punchy", kicked six goals in Wigan's victory in the 1959–60 Northern Rugby Football League season's championship final. In his time with the club he amassed a total of 1,455 points.
Moving to Australia to captain and coach the North Sydney club, Griffiths' prolific point-scoring continued as he went on to become the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership's leading point scorer for the 1963, 1964 and 1965 seasons. His last year with North Sydney was the 1966 season. In his time with North Sydney he amassed a total of 590 points, and coached them to finals in two of his three seasons as captain-coach.
Griffiths also played in the South African national team against the Australian side in 1963.
Fred Griffiths guested for Wakefield Trinity during their South African tour in June and July 1962. He also coached Griffith, and Nowra.
Famous quotes containing the word fred:
“Guilty. Guilty. My evil self is at that door, and I have no power to stop it.”
—Cyril Hume, and Fred McLeod Wilcox. Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon)