The Hawks team of 1968 is regarded as one of the best to play in this area in the post-war era.

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.

Paskins 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 on 11 occasions.

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,'' McQuillan 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.''

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In 2013 Paskins was one of the four original inductees into the Group Three Hall of Fame.

Paskins 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 on Friday from 3pm at the Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club for a memorial.

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

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