[2][3][4] After playing football in Lismore, Brisbane and Townsville, Cox returned to Sydney to coach the St. George Presidents Cup team in 1950.

[5] He was subsequently elected as Secretary of the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) Referees Association, a position he held from 1963 to 1977.

[1] Cox then moved to the position of Ground Manager, being responsible for the administration of all on-ground activity including players, officials and television crews.

During this time he was noted for running a "tight ship" and nothing untoward happened on his watch,[1] however, he displayed his softer side through actions such as ensuring the game ball was presented to a retiring player.

Cox was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on 10 June 2002 for "service to Rugby League football as a player, referee, coach and administrator".