The Illawarra sporting legend ticked over triple figures on Wednesday and will come together with family and friends to celebrate his 100th birthday this weekend.

It's been a busy 100 years for Stapleton and his pool room is overflowing with trophies, ribbons and memorabilia from countless sporting achievements.

Born in Kyogle in northern NSW on January 7, 1915, the young left-arm all-rounder was soon recognised as a genuine sporting talent.

He moved to Sydney and played first grade cricket for St George where he ended up scoring 2242 runs at an average of 32.49, and took 93 wickets at 17.56 with his pace bowling.

His time in Sydney included three centuries and a top-score of 146, during which his batting partner was a young Arthur Morris, who later played 46 Tests for Australia.

Stapleton was frequently on the fringe of the NSW representative team and played his one and only first-class match for the Blues in February 1941.

Many cricketing pundits believe he would have played much more first-class cricket if he hadn't enlisted in the AIF three months later, which took up the following five years of his life.

When the war finished Stapleton moved to Wollongong to work for an oil company and soon linked up with Keira cricket club.

He represented Southern Districts against a touring India team during his time with Keira, and became the first player in the Illawarra competition to take all 10 wickets in an innings.

Stapleton retired from cricket in 1951 but was talked into another season four years later and steered Keira to the premiership with 85 not out in the final.

Stapleton is the oldest living person to have played first-class cricket for NSW.

Apart from his cricketing achievements, he was an accomplished amateur tennis player and golfer.

"It made it tough for the rest of the family because he robbed all the gene pool in one fell swoop," Harold's nephew Kevin Everingham said.

"He's the most modest person so it's very difficult to get any info out of him.

"He seldom talks about his achievements."

Stapleton will be joined by family and friends to celebrate his 'ton' at Beaton Park on Saturday.