Hubbry Logo
Phil BlakePhil BlakeMain
Open search
Phil Blake
Community hub
Phil Blake
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Phil Blake
Phil Blake
from Wikipedia

Phil Blake (born 24 November 1963) is a British-born Australian[citation needed] former rugby league footballer and a professional rugby union coach.

Key Information

Originally a halfback, Blake developed into a utility player and played first grade matches in all the backline positions, as well as at hooker and lock. He represented New South Wales on one occasion.

Blake has held coaching positions with the Wallabies, Western Force, Manly RUFC and Leicester Tigers.

Early life

[edit]

Blake was born in London, England, but moved to Sydney with his family at an early age. While attending Christian Brothers College in Manly, Blake played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1981.[2] Phil Blake is the younger brother of former Manly, Canberra and South Sydney player Michael Blake.

Playing career

[edit]

Manly

[edit]

Blake made his début for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in Round 12 of the 1982 season, coming off the bench for the Sea Eagles in their 20–19 win over Eastern Suburbs at Brookvale Oval. Blake played 14 games in his rookie year, playing five-eighth, centre and halfback. He scored 9 tries in 1982, and was a try scorer for Manly in their 21–8 loss to defending premiers Parramatta in the 1982 Grand Final. Blake won the Dally M Rookie of the Year award.

Blake's good form continued in 1983, cementing his position as the club's first choice halfback. He broke the Sea Eagles club record for the most tries scored in a season with 27 the top try scorer in the league.[3] Blake's 27 tries were scored from just 23 games played and was only surpassed in 2021 as the Manly club record for most tries in a premiership season. Manly won through to the 1983 Grand Final, again against Parramatta, and for the second time in two seasons.

After playing 21 of his 23 games at halfback in 1983, he played there only 10 times in 1984, spending most of his time at centre as coach Fulton tried to cover his defensive lapses.[citation needed] This also allowed Fulton to play others (such as halfback Des Hasler who had joined the club from Penrith) in their preferred positions. After scoring 27 tries in 23 games in 1983, Blake scored only 11 tries from 23 games in 1984.[citation needed]

Blake broke his arm during the opening round of the 1985 season against Penrith.[citation needed] He returned to the field in Round 9 against Canberra, but was again used in various backline positions and only scored 3 tries in 11 games.

During the 1985/86 off-season Phil Blake traveled to England and played for Warrington, he played at centre (replaced by substitute Mark Forster) in Warrington's 8–34 defeat by Wigan in the 1985 Lancashire Cup Final during the 1985–86 season at Knowsley Road, St. Helens, on Sunday 13 October 1985,[4]

In the 1986 NSWRL season, Blake was again the league's top try scorer with 13, sharing the mark with Balmain's Great Britain international import Garry Schofield and despite having that statistic, for the second time in a Kangaroo Tour year, he was overlooked for selection on the 1986 Kangaroo tour. However, after four seasons under Fulton, he was unwanted by Manly and following the season signed to play for the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 1987.

Souths

[edit]

In 1987, Blake joined Rabbitohs and went on to play four seasons for the club. Returning to his schoolboy position of five-eighth, Blake was instrumental in Souths winning the minor premiership in 1989. He played 75 games for Souths.

He returned to England to play for Wigan for the 1988/89 season. After returning from England, Blake, and Souths went from being minor premiers in 1989 to finishing with the wooden spoon in 1990, the biggest slide from grace in the competition's history.

Nomad

[edit]

After three seasons at Souths, Blake joined the North Sydney Bears for 1991, however despite the Bears reaching the finals for the first time since 1982, he only played eleven games for the club and moved again at the end of the year, joining the Canberra Raiders.

Blake moved again at the end of the 1992 season, joining the St. George Dragons. He came off the reserves bench for the Dragons in the 1993 Grand Final who lost their second Grand Final in two seasons to the Brisbane Broncos. It was Blake's 3rd Grand Final loss in his 3rd attempt after having lost the 1982 and 1983 Grand Finals with Manly.

In 1995, he joined the new Auckland Warriors franchise, and was in their inaugural run-on side. He played three seasons for the club, his longest spell at one club since the Rabbitohs. Phil Blake, who played fullback in the Warrior's first game against the Broncos at Auckland's Mount Smart Stadium before 29,220 fans, scored the new club's first ever try in the game's 21st minute after a dash down the left wing by Whetu Taewa. Blake, as always there in support, had an easy 10m run to the line. Despite this the Warriors went down narrowly to the two time premiership winners 25–22.

Representative career

[edit]

Despite narrowly missing out on a Kangaroos jersey in 1982 and again in 1986, Blake never established himself at representative level. In 1988, he played for City, and in 1989 he came off the bench in a State of Origin match for New South Wales, but that was the extent of his representative career. Along with Ian Roberts and James McManus, he is to date one of three British-born players to play State of Origin.

In 1988, Blake was selected at fullback for an Australian select side called the President's XIII to play the touring Great Britain Lions. On a wet and muddy day at the Seiffert Oval in Canberra, the President's XIII defeated the Lions 24–18.[5]

Retirement

[edit]

Blake trained with the Manly team at the start of the 1998 season before announcing his retirement. He finished his career having played 261 games, scoring 138 tries as well as kicking eight goals and fifteen field goals.[citation needed]

Matches played

[edit]
Team Matches Tries Goals Field goals Years
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 93 63 7 1982–1986
NSW City Seconds 2 3 1983, 1987
Warrington 43 40 4 1985, 1988
South Sydney Rabbitohs 75 37 8 6 1987–1990
NSW City Origin 1 1988
Australian Presidents XIII 1 1988
NSW City Firsts 1 1989
New South Wales 1 1989
Wigan 10 7 13 1989
North Sydney Bears 11 1 1 1991
Canberra Raiders 16 5 1 1992
St George Dragons 29 15 1993–1994
Auckland Warriors 37 17 1995–1997
TOTAL 320 188 21 19 1982–1997

Coaching career

[edit]

Rugby league

[edit]

Blake was appointed the sprint coach at the South Sydney Rabbitohs for their return season in 2002.[6] When Craig Coleman was fired as head coach at the beginning of the 2003 season, Blake was appointed the temporary head coach until he was replaced by Paul Langmack.[7][8][9]

Rugby union

[edit]

In 2006, Blake began his rugby union coaching career as assistant coach of the Southern Districts first grade side. He joined Manly as head coach a year later.[10] Blake suffered from a series of potentially life-threatening blood clots in 2008 and spent some time in hospital.[11][12] In 2010, he underwent triple heart bypass surgery.[13]

After taking Manly into the semi-finals in 2010, Blake was appointed as defence and skills coach to the Wallabies under head coach Robbie Deans.[10] He joined the Western Force as defence and skills coach for the 2011 season.[10] When Richard Graham was stood down as head coach of the Force during the 2012 season, Blake became the interim head coach before Michael Foley was appointed for the 2013 season.[14][15]

Blake returned to Manly as head coach in 2013.[16] In 2014, he was appointed as head coach of the North Harbour Rays for the inaugural National Rugby Championship season.[17] However, on 2 June 2014 it was announced that he had been appointed as defence coach for Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership.[18][19] Blake incurred a six-month ban from rugby for breaching RFU betting rules after placing eight separate bets on two Tigers games while he was the defence coach at the club.[20]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Phil Blake (born 24 November 1963) is an Australian former professional footballer and coach. Born in , , but raised in , Blake debuted in the (NSWRL) premiership with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in 1982 as an 18-year-old halfback, known for his speed, chip-kick, and versatility as a utility back. He played over 200 games across seven clubs in and during the 1980s and 1990s, including stints with , St Helens, , , Gold Coast Seagulls, and the Warriors, where he scored the franchise's first premiership try in 1995. Blake earned representative honours for City and was a prolific try-scorer, with more than 60 tries in his career. After retiring as a player, Blake transitioned to coaching, primarily in . He served as head coach of (2013–2018), assistant coach for the Wallabies (2000s), defence coach for (2014–2015, where he received a six-month ban for betting rule breaches), and the . In 2024, he was appointed head coach of West Harbour RFC in the but was sacked in June 2025 amid a team shake-up.

Early life

Childhood and education

Phil Blake was born on 24 November 1963 in , . His family immigrated to , , when he was a young child. Blake grew up in a family with strong ties to rugby league; he is the younger brother of Michael Blake, a former professional player who represented clubs including Manly-Warringah and . Blake attended Christian Brothers College in Manly, New South Wales, where he developed his early interest in through school sports programs. His athletic talents emerged during these years, culminating in selection for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1981, which marked a key formative influence on his development as a player. This period at school laid the groundwork for his subsequent involvement in junior rugby competitions.

Junior rugby career

Blake's junior rugby league career began to gain prominence during his time at Christian Brothers College in Manly, where he was selected to represent the Australian Schoolboys team in 1981. As a halfback, he honed his playmaking skills, including precise distribution and tactical awareness, which were evident in his contributions to the team's representative fixtures against international opponents. This selection marked him as one of the top schoolboy talents in , showcasing his emerging ability to control games from the pivotal halfback position. Following his schoolboy success, Blake progressed seamlessly into the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles' junior system, where he quickly established a reputation as a standout prospect. Known for his exceptional speed and kicking prowess—particularly his accurate chip-kicks that created scoring opportunities—Blake impressed scouts and coaches with his elusiveness and game intelligence. His family background provided additional support, with his older brother Michael, a former Manly player, offering guidance during this formative period. Blake's junior achievements culminated in recognition as he transitioned toward ranks, earning the Dally M Rookie of the Year award in 1982 for his immediate impact as an 18-year-old halfback. This accolade underscored his rapid development from junior representative to first-grade contender, highlighting the effectiveness of his speed, vision, and kicking in lower-grade competitions.

Playing career

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

Phil Blake made his first-grade debut for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in at the age of 18, playing as a halfback after progressing through the club's junior system. In his season, he appeared in 14 games, scoring 9 tries and 2 field goals for a total of 29 points, and was recognized as the Dally M of the Year for his immediate impact. Blake contributed a try in Manly's 1982 NSWRL loss to , a 21-8 defeat at the , showcasing his speed and opportunism early in his career. Over the next four seasons, Blake solidified his role as a key for Manly, playing in 89 additional first-grade matches from to 1986, bringing his total appearances to 103 games with 63 tries and 7 field goals, accumulating 250 points. His standout campaign saw him score a club-record 27 tries across 24 games, earning him the NSWRL's top try-scorer honor and highlighting his explosive finishing ability. Blake also featured in Manly's Grand Final, a 18-6 loss to , where he was involved in the halfback position but unable to prevent the Eels' third consecutive premiership; during the match, he was notably bumped off by Parramatta's Peter Sterling in a key defensive play. In 1986, Blake shared the NSWRL top try-scorer title with 13 tries in 25 games, tying with Balmain's and demonstrating his consistency as a wide-running halfback. Throughout his time at Manly, Blake developed a reputation as a brilliant prospect due to his signature skills, including precise chip-kicks, exceptional speed, and sharp anticipation that allowed him to regather his own kicks for tries. These attributes made him a thrilling attacker, often turning games with his long-striding runs and positional awareness in the backline.

English clubs

In 1985, Phil Blake moved to England on loan from Manly-Warringah, joining Warrington Wolves for the 1985/86 season, where he quickly adapted to the rigors of the English rugby league, including its winter conditions on often muddy pitches. Playing primarily as a centre or in the halves, Blake showcased his speed and precise chip-kicking—skills honed in Australia—to thrill crowds and become the club's top try-scorer with 22 tries in 19 appearances. His debut on 25 September 1985 against Workington Town resulted in two tries, followed by a remarkable four tries in his home league debut against Salford on 6 October 1985, highlighting his versatility across backline positions. Blake's contributions helped Warrington reach the Lancashire Cup Final that season, where they faced Wigan, though the team fell short of the title. Returning to Australia briefly, Blake rejoined Warrington for a second stint in the 1988/89 season, again topping the try-scoring charts with 18 tries in 24 games and continuing to impress with his explosive pace that outmaneuvered English defenders. He featured in key matches, including a quarter-final victory over in February 1989, scoring in earlier rounds like the tie against . Across his 43 games for , Blake amassed 40 tries, establishing himself as a standout import who bridged Australian flair with the physicality of , despite challenges like differing schedules and weather. In 1989, Blake transferred to for a short stint in the 1989/90 season, playing 10 games and scoring 7 tries while adding 13 goals for 54 points, contributing to their strong campaign but departing after limited appearances. His time in overall, spanning 53 games and 47 tries, underscored his successful adaptation and lasting impact on the competition through dynamic backline play.

South Sydney Rabbitohs and later Australian clubs

After returning from , Phil Blake joined the in 1987, where he played 75 first-grade games over four seasons through 1990, scoring 37 tries and accumulating 170 points through goals and field goals. Playing primarily as a , Blake's speed and kicking game—honed during his English stint—proved vital, as he contributed significantly to the Rabbitohs' strong performances, including their 1989 minor premiership win in which he featured in 21 games and scored 12 tries. His versatility allowed him to shift across backline positions, enhancing Souths' attacking options during a period of relative stability for the club. Following his departure from Souths, Blake signed with the for the 1991 season, appearing in 11 games as the team qualified for the finals series for the first time since 1982. He then moved to the in 1992, playing 16 matches and scoring 5 tries for 21 points, providing utility depth in the backline amid the Raiders' competitive campaign. In 1993, Blake transferred to the , where he remained through 1994 for a total of 29 games and 15 tries. During this time, he came off the bench in the 1993 , a 14–6 loss to the , marking his third grand final appearance overall but ending in defeat. Blake concluded his club career with the Auckland Warriors from 1995 to 1997, playing 37 games and scoring 17 tries. A highlight came in the Warriors' inaugural match on March 10, 1995, against the , when he scored the franchise's first-ever premiership try in a 25–22 loss. His late-career contributions underscored his adaptability, often filling multiple backline roles to support the expansion team's development. Across his Australian club career, Blake played 271 first-grade games, scoring 138 tries, with his English experience bolstering his renowned pace and positioning. He returned to Manly-Warringah for a pre-season stint in 1998 before announcing his retirement, closing out a nomadic yet impactful tenure in the backline.

Representative honours

Phil Blake's representative honours were confined to state and invitational levels, reflecting his strong club form amid stiff competition from established players in key positions such as halfback and utility back. In 1988, Blake earned selection for the City team, playing one game against at halfback in a close 20–18 victory at the Sydney Football Stadium. He also appeared for City Seconds in 1987, scoring 2 tries in a 42-12 win. That same year, he represented the Australian President's XIII at fullback in a tour match against the visiting Lions, helping secure a 24–16 win on a rain-affected surface at the , where his defensive efforts contributed to containing the tourists despite slippery conditions. Blake's standout performances with South Sydney in 1989 led to his sole State of Origin appearance for in Game 3 against . Selected as a reserve utility, he entered the match off the bench during the second half at but could not stem a heavy 36–16 defeat, with no points scored in his 20-minute stint amid 's dominant forward play. These selections underscored his versatility across the backline, though intense rivalry from players like Peter Sterling and limited further opportunities.

Coaching career

Rugby league

After retiring from playing, Phil Blake transitioned into coaching within , leveraging his reputation for exceptional speed and versatility on the field to focus on player development, particularly in sprint and performance training. In 2002, he joined the as sprint coach upon the club's return to the (NRL), where he worked to enhance the speed and agility of the squad during their rebuilding phase. This role drew on Blake's own playing experience as one of the fastest players of his era, allowing him to implement targeted drills that improved explosive power for backs and forwards alike. Later that year, in September 2002, Blake was appointed by the Rabbitohs board to a senior oversight position, tasked with monitoring and supporting Craig Coleman's performance ahead of the 2003 season. He served as assistant coach under Coleman through the early part of 2003, contributing to and training sessions with an emphasis on defensive structures and speed-based attacks, informed by his background as a utility back who excelled in chip-and-chase plays and quick breaks. Blake's involvement helped stabilize the amid the club's struggles, though Souths finished the 2002 season with only five wins from 26 games. Following Coleman's dismissal on March 3, 2003, after a poor pre-season, Blake was elevated to interim for a brief period, during which he prepared the team for the upcoming rounds without leading any competitive matches. His tenure focused on maintaining team morale and refining tactical approaches, such as bolstering edge defense to counter opposition speed, but it lasted only days before Paul Langmack was appointed as the new interim coach on March 5. This short stint marked Blake's only experience as a in , highlighting his rapid progression from player to key staff member at Souths, though no further senior league coaching roles followed as he shifted focus to other opportunities.

Rugby union

Phil Blake transitioned to rugby union coaching following his playing career in rugby league, bringing his expertise in defensive structures to the code. In 2006, he began as assistant coach for the Southern Districts first grade side in Sydney's Shute Shield competition, marking his entry into union coaching. Blake advanced to head coach of in 2007, leading the club through successful periods in the , including competitive performances that solidified their position as a top Sydney club. He guided Manly to strong defensive records during his tenure from 2007 to 2010, emphasizing organized line speed and tackling efficiency drawn from his league background. After a brief hiatus, Blake returned as head coach in 2013, overseeing another solid season before departing for international opportunities; under his leadership, Manly maintained a reputation for resilient defense, though they fell short of grand final appearances. In late 2010, Blake joined the Wallabies as defence and skills coach for their European spring tour, contributing to a series of victories including against and by implementing a high-intensity defensive system that limited opposition scoring. His strategies focused on pressure at the breakdown and rapid alignment, which helped stabilize the team's backline defense during the tour. This international exposure highlighted Blake's cross-code adaptability in union tactics. Blake moved to the in 2011 as defence and skills coach for , where his systems improved the team's tackling completion rates early in the season. However, following the mid-season dismissal of Richard Graham in 2012, Blake served as interim alongside a coaching panel for the remaining eight games, achieving only one win amid a challenging campaign marked by injuries and inconsistent execution; the Force finished last with a 12% win rate under the interim setup, underscoring the difficulties in overhauling defensive frailties mid-season. Despite the poor results, Blake's emphasis on physicality and decision-making under pressure laid groundwork for future improvements. In 2014, Blake was appointed head coach of the North Harbour Rays for the inaugural National Rugby Championship (NRC), a role that combined his Manly duties initially. He led the team through a developmental season, focusing on building a cohesive defensive unit with young talents; the Rays competed respectably but exited early, with Blake's strategies prioritizing scrum stability and counter-attack prevention, though offensive integration proved a challenge in the competition's formative year. His tenure ended prematurely when he departed for overseas commitments. Blake joined as defence coach for the 2014–2015 Aviva Premiership , where his rigorous training regimens enhanced the team's set-piece defense, contributing to a competitive showing despite finishing mid-table. Known for instilling a "no-quit" mentality, Blake's systems reduced line breaks conceded, though the team struggled with consistency in high-stakes matches. He departed after one but returned in , further refining the Tigers' back-row pressure tactics during a period of squad rebuilding. Later, Blake served as assistant coach (defence) for the starting in 2022, joining ahead of the . His defensive framework helped the Reds reach the for the first time since 2013, with notable performances in restricting high-scoring opponents like the Chiefs through targeted blitz defenses; the team finished fifth but lost in the quarterfinals, demonstrating the impact of his structured approach on a young squad. In 2024, Blake was appointed head coach of West Harbour RUFC for the 2025 season. However, he was sacked mid-season on June 11, 2025, after a poor start with the team at the bottom of the table. As of November 2025, Blake holds a coaching position at , focusing on junior development in . Throughout his union coaching career, Blake has been renowned for defensive innovations, adapting league-inspired aggression to union's nuances, such as emphasizing phase defense and breakdown dominance, which yielded successes like tour wins with the Wallabies and playoff qualification with the Reds, while challenges like the Force's 2012 struggles highlighted the limits of implementation in transitional environments.

Personal life

Health challenges

In 2008, Phil Blake was diagnosed with life-threatening blood clots on his lungs, requiring hospitalization for treatment. Two years later, in 2010, Blake underwent triple after an angiogram revealed three of his arteries were 90 percent blocked, with an enlarged also discovered during the procedure. His recovery was relatively swift, allowing him to resume coaching duties within two months of the operation. These health challenges temporarily paused Blake's coaching commitments, as he focused on rehabilitation following the , but he adapted by adopting a less intense, more enjoyable approach to his professional responsibilities to reduce stress. Post-recovery, he continued in coaching roles, including as interim coach for the in . Blake has publicly advocated for heart screenings among retired rugby players, stating, “You’re better off knowing than not because it can be too late,” inspired by his own experiences and a subsequent study revealing elevated risks in former athletes. Long-term, he has maintained an active lifestyle as a self-described fitness fanatic, shifting to lower-impact activities like and walking to prioritize over .

Controversies

In 2015, Phil Blake faced a significant professional controversy when he was found guilty of breaching the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) anti-corruption and betting regulations while serving as defence coach for Leicester Tigers. Blake placed eight separate bets on two matches involving his team: a European Champions Cup game against Toulon on December 13, 2014, and a Premiership match against Newcastle Falcons on March 8, 2015. The bets, totaling £669 in winnings, were made at a Grosvenor Casino and came to light after a casino employee recognized Blake's coaching role. An independent RFU disciplinary panel ruled that Blake had committed two violations of the rules prohibiting betting on matches in which he had a professional interest, leading to a six-month suspension from all rugby-related activities, effective from May 24, 2015, to November 24, 2015. He was also fined £669, equivalent to his betting profits, and ordered to pay £500 in hearing costs. Blake's appeal against the suspension length was dismissed by an RFU appeal panel, upholding the full penalty. The incident prompted Blake's departure from in April 2015, shortly before the ban was announced, marking a abrupt end to his tenure that had begun in June 2014. The scandal temporarily halted his coaching career and drew attention to the RFU's strict enforcement of betting prohibitions to maintain the sport's integrity. described Blake as a "popular and valued member" of the coaching staff but fully supported the RFU's decision. Reflecting on the matter, Blake expressed profound , stating that "having my whole on the line for a minimum gain is something I will regret for the rest of my life" and that "no one could be more sorry than myself that this incident has taken place." He attributed the breach to his lack of awareness of the specific RFU rules and emphasized that he had no intention of betting against his team, citing favorable odds as his misguided rationale. Blake later acknowledged the incident as a lasting lesson in the perils of within .

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.