The Hayes family warmly invite friends, former teammates and members of the Roosters community to join them in celebrating the life of Les Hayes.
Funeral details are provided below.
- Friday, 19th June; 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm
- South Chapel
- Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park
- 12 Military Road, Matraville
A wake will take place after the service at:
- Randwick Golf Club
- 1 Howe Street, Malabar
Originally Published 9th June, 2026:
The Sydney Roosters is saddened by the news of the passing of one of the Club's great clubmen, Les Hayes.
Les, 83, passed away this morning (June 9) after many years of poor health.
A Roosters Life Member, Hayes played 232 grade games for the Club between 1965 and 1975, including 57 First Grade appearances and a Club record 148 Reserve Grade games, a mark that remains unmatched. He captained the Roosters Reserve Grade side throughout much of the early 1970s, including the 1974 Reserve Grade Premiership-winning team, and was a member of the wider First Grade squad that won the 1974 and 1975 Premierships.
Hayes, who grew up in Paddington, was graded by the Roosters in 1965 from Bondi United and became a regular First Grade player throughout the 1968 and 1969 seasons. During his career, Les played alongside many of the Club's greats, including Arthur Beetson, Ron Coote, John Brass, Mark Harris, Ron Saddler and Kevin Junee.
Widely respected throughout the Club, Hayes was renowned for his commitment, leadership and professionalism. Regardless of the grade in which he played, he earned the admiration of teammates, coaches and staff through his dedication to the Roosters jersey and the standards he upheld throughout his eleven seasons at the Club.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Sydney Roosters, Hayes was awarded Life Membership at the Club's 2026 Annual General Meeting.
The Sydney Roosters extend their deepest condolences to Les' family, friends and former teammates at this difficult time.
Vale, Les Hayes.
