25/08/2026
In Memory of Christine Arnott
CMRL is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Christine Arnott, a truly dedicated member of the rugby league community.
Our thoughts are with Christineβs family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing her during this incredibly difficult time.
Thank you Christine for all your contribution to building and Volunteering your time to rugby league you will never be
Forgotten ππ€πβοΈ
VALE CHRISTINE ARNOTT
It is with great sadness that HJRL acknowledges the passing of Christine "Chris" Arnott β an extraordinary lady whose contribution to junior rugby league and her community spanned generations.
Chris dedicated 12 years to the committee of Thornton Beresfield Rugby League Club and 25 years to the Maitland & District Junior Rugby League Association, giving her time, energy, and care to countless young players and their families. She was honoured with Life Membership at Beresfield Rugby League Football Club (now Thornton Beresfield Rugby League Club) and Maitland & District Junior Rugby League Association / Hunter Junior Rugby League, and the former Arnott Cup was named in her honour in recognition of her significant contribution to junior rugby league.
For Chris and her husband, Col, volunteering was a way of life. Their children, Kim, Shelley, and Darren, grew up at junior rugby league games seeing their parents give their time to help children play the sport they love and strengthen the community around them. They each went on to make their own contributions to the game and their community, with Shelley still active as a current HJRL Director and Manager with the Hunter RISE program.
The same spirit has continued into the next generation, with Chris and Colβs grandchildren also growing up around rugby league, and their great-grandchildren now joining them at games and events. Chrisβs legacy is not only in what she personally gave to the game, but in the love and support she inspired in others to do the same.
Chrisβs funeral will be held on Monday, 31 August at 11.00am at Beresfield Crematorium, followed by a gathering at Beresfield Bowling Club.
HJRL extends its deepest sympathy to Col, Kim, Shelley, Darren, their families, and to all who had the privilege of knowing Chris and sharing in the life and love she gave so generously to others. Chrisβs legacy will live on through the family she raised, the community she served, and everyone she inspired. Always in our hearts.