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Grand final-winning Newcastle Knights great Billy Peden has posted a touching message paying tribute to his father Athol after he passed away on Monday, aged 84.
Athol Peden was a well-known figure in Cessnock and was a publican at Peden's Hotel in the NSW country town for many years.
Billy Peden took to Instagram to pay tribute to his father, who he remembered as a man of integrity.
'To the bloke that taught me to get back up whenever I fall, integrity is paramount, have fun and be respectful,' Peden wrote.
'I'm going to miss you. Toughest thing I've ever seen and the toughest thing I've had to watch.
'Time to be with mum again, love you dad, rest easy Ath, see you in the next place.'
Two-time premiership-winning Knights great Billy Peden paid tribute to his father Athol (pictured together) after he died this week
Athol and Bill Peden shared a long bond
Fellow rugby league figures sent Peden their condolences.
'We are so sorry for your loss Billy. Thinking of you and your family during this tough time,' former Knights teammate Mark Hughes said.
'I hope you and the family are holding up ok. Your old man would be very proud of the person you are,' David Fairleigh wrote to Peden.
'His legacy lives on in you Bill,' premiership winner Scott Sattler said.
Ashton Sims wrote to Peden: 'Passing on thoughts and prayers Billy. Integrity is paramount.'
While Trish Johns, the wife of former Newcastle five-eighth Matthew, wrote: 'Sending all our love Billy. Athol was a true treasure.'
Peden described being the son of a famous publican as 'not your usual upbringing' when talking to Andrew Johns on the Sunday Footy Show earlier this year.
'We heard a few fights from out the window and a few domestic arguments from down the street,' he recalled.
Bill Peden scored two tries in Newcastle's 2001 premiership win over Parramatta
Athol Peden has been remembered as a man of integrity in the Cessnock community
Athol (pictured with Billy) was a long-time publican at Peden's Hotel in Cessnock
'It was an interesting time.'
Billy Peden played 190 games for Newcastle from 1994 to 2002 and is the only player to play in their first three senior premiership-winning teams: the 1995 reserve grade side, 1997 ARL grand final and 2001 NRL grand final.
His most famous moment came in the 2001 grand final when he scored two tries in an upset win over Parramatta.
The hard-working forward grew up in Cessnock alongside Matthew and Andrew Johns.
'We always knew each other. Matt and Joe lived in South Avenue, just around the corner from the pub where I grew up, and our parents were friends,' Peden said.
'We'd play the odd game of footy in the backyard but I wouldn't say we were best mates.
'It probably kicked off a bit later after school when I played under-18s with Matty, and we ended up pretty close, and I always knew Joey.'
Athol Peden's obituary read: 'Beloved husband of Betty (dec’d). Loving father and father-in-law to Jennifer and Katie, Bill and Britt, Belinda and Greg. Much loved grandfather to Elsa, Wilson, Andrew, Mia and Zoe. Cherished great-grandfather to Mason and Kobe.'
Family and friends of Athol are invited to attend his funeral at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Cessnock next Tuesday at 11am.
