The Australian sporting community is mourning the loss of a former rugby league player, John Bilbija, who passed away at the age of 65 after a long and heartbreaking battle with early-onset dementia.

His story is a stark reminder of the fragility of our health and the potential risks associated with contact sports.


John Bilbija, a former forward for Balmain, Wests Magpies, and South Sydney, was known for his toughness on the field.

However, the same resilience that made him a formidable opponent in the game could not shield him from the ravages of dementia.

This disease slowly stripped away his cognitive abilities and left him unable to feed, dress, or communicate with his beloved wife of 43 years.


Dementia is a cruel disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and it does not discriminate.

It can strike anyone, regardless of their physical strength or mental acuity.

For John Bilbija, the onset of dementia came after a decade-long battle, during which he lost almost all cognitive ability.


His peaceful passing in his sleep at his Penrith home was described by a former teammate as a 'blessing in disguise,' given the extent of his suffering.

‘It's very sad but may have been a blessing in disguise because John was not the same guy we knew and loved,’ Wayne Innes said.

‘He personified toughness on the paddock, but it doesn't matter how tough you are - once you contract this illness, it gets you all.’

John's wife, Michelle, shared the immense challenges of caring for her husband in his latter years.

‘We knew as he grew older he'd have arthritis and knee replacements - but we never expected this,’ she said.


The connection between head injuries sustained during contact sports and long-term brain health has become an increasingly pressing issue.

John's condition, which echoed the struggles of fellow players like Ian Roberts and Mario Fenech, has raised questions about the safety of the sport and the awareness among current players of the potential long-term consequences.

In a selfless act, John donated his brain for research, hoping to contribute to a better understanding of the disease and help others.

His wife's reflection that John would never have played the game had he known the dangers.

Due to financial difficulties, the Bilbijas had to relocate from Sydney and now rely on pensions and NDIS assistance to get by.


The added diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease only compounded the challenges they faced.

‘Hopefully, some good will come out of the research they use it for,’ Michelle said.

‘If John had known the dangers, he would never have played the game.’

‘There's not enough awareness among players today ... they are also bigger and stronger than the players who were around in John's era.’


Tributes pour in for John Bilbija, with fans and former clubs expressing their condolences and sharing memories of his dedication on the field.

‘He tried his heart out every week, always busted his a**. Vale John,’ a fan commented.

‘He will be missed, what a good man.’ another added.

‘We extend our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Bilbija - forever Parramatta Eels player #403.’ The Parramatta Eels wrote with sympathies.

Watch Bilibija's team highlights from 1987 here:

Our heartfelt condolences go out to John Bilibija’s family, friends, and loved ones during this challenging time.

May he rest in peace.

How has John Bilibija’s impact on rugby shaped your appreciation of the sport? We encourage you to share your reflections and memories of John Bilibija in the comments below.