Peter Frilingos
Peter Frilingos (1944–2004) was an Australian sports journalist and commentator of Greek descent, best known for his work as a rugby league writer.[1] He started his career in journalism in February 1962 at the Sydney Daily Mirror, and within two years, wrote his first piece on rugby league.[2]
Frilingos soon became one of the leading rugby league writers in Sydney. In 1996 he transferred to the Daily Telegraph.[3] His reporting methods and integrity came under severe scrutiny during the Super League war. While Frilingos originally supported the ARL, he had begun openly endorsing Super League after a closed door meeting with News Limited management. This led to him being branded News Limited's "Chief Toady" by Media Watch.[4]
In August 2019, Frilingos was inducted into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame,[5] and there is an award named after him in the National Rugby League's Dally M Medal, called the 'Peter Frilingos Memorial Award'.[3]
At the time of his death, Frilingos was survived by his wife Maureen, son Matt, now a journalist nicknamed "Junior Chippy" after Peter,[6] and daughters Anna, and Alison - a cellist in the Australian World Orchestra.[1][7] Since 2016, Alison Frilingos has been a member of the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, and she teaches cello at the Anton Stadler Musikschule in Bruck an der Leitha.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Poulos, George (4 May 2004). "Peter Frilingos......Legend". kythera-family.net/en. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
- ^ "Influential pressman dies at his desk". Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment. 4 May 2008. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Peter Frilingos". National Rugby League Hall of Fame. National Rugby League. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
- ^ Coleman, Mike (1996). Super League : The Inside Story. Ironbark. Retrieved 26 July 2025 – via National Library of Australia..
- ^ Whittaker, Troy (13 August 2019). "History made with three contributors added to Hall of Fame". National Rugby League. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
- ^ 'Australia’s many media dynasties'. 21 March 2005. Crikey.
- ^ Alison Frilingos. Australian World Orchestra.
- ^ Alison Frilingos. University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. Researchgate.