Paskins, who captain-coached Forster-Tuncurry to Group Three Rugby League premierships in 1968 and 1970 and the 1969 grand final, has died, aged 91.

The Hawks' team of 1968 is regarded as one of the best to play in this area in the post-war era. The side only lost one match during the season and defeated Taree United 21-0 in the grand final. This was Forster's first premiership win since 1947.

Paskins came to the Great Lakes at the twilight of his illustrious career. He retired, aged 42, after the 1970 grand final win over Port Macquarie.

He was one of the best centres of his era, although he never represented Australia as he played in England during his prime.

Paskins was signed by English club Workington Town in 1948 and he played 247 games for the club, winning the Challenge Cup in the 1951-52 season.

He represented the Other Nationalities team 11 times.

Paskins returned to Australia in 1955 to play with Eastern Suburbs (now Sydney Roosters). After moving to Oberon as a captain-coach, he twice captained Country Firsts to victory over City while he made four appearances for NSW, twice against touring teams. He later played with Manly Warringah and coached Easts in 1973.

Garry McQuillan was an 18-year-old five-eighth in 1970 when he was called into the Forster first grade side.

He described Paskins as 'an unbelievably great coach.'

"It was a privilege to be coached by Tony,'' he said.

"The most important thing he taught me was how to change the direction of play without the opposition knowing. He had so many set plays and moves and the way he could read a game was amazing.''

In 2013 Paskins was one of four original inductees into the Group Three Hall of Fame. He was the special guest at the Forster Old Boys Day on June 30 when the Hawks played Taree City.

Members of the 1970 premiership team and others will gather at the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club for a memorial on Friday (April 23) at 3pm.

Paskins, who had Alzheimer's disease, donated his brain to the Brain Injury Foundation.