William Brown (rugby league)

Last updated

William Brown
Personal information
Full nameWilliam Brown
Playing information
Position Hooker, Second-row
Club
YearsTeamPldTGFGP
1938–41 Balmain 60000
1942–49 Western Suburbs 381003
Total441003
Source: [1]
As of 3 May 2019

William Brown nicknamed "Bill" was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1930s and 1940s. He played for Western Suburbs and Balmain in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition.

Playing career

A Balmain junior, Brown made his first grade debut for the club in Round 9 1938 against St George at Earl Park, Arncliffe. The following year in 1939, Brown only made 1 appearance and missed out on playing in the club's premiership victory over South Sydney.

In 1941, Brown made 4 appearances as Balmain won the minor premiership but fell short of another grand final. Brown then joined Western Suburbs in 1942. Brown's first few seasons at Wests were difficult with the club finishing last in 1942 and towards the bottom in the coming years. In 1947, Wests announced Frank Burge as their new head coach. Burge took the club to the finals in 1947 and Brown played in the semi-final defeat against his old club Balmain.

The following season, Brown was part of the Western Suburbs side which won the minor premiership and reached the 1948 NSWRL grand final against Balmain. Brown played at hooker in the match as Balmain went into halftime holding a 5-3 lead. In the second half, a long range try scored by Wests player Kevin Hansen gave Western Suburbs an 8-5 lead which they held onto until the end of the match winning their third premiership in front of 29,122 fans at the Sydney Sports Ground. Brown retired the following season in 1949. [2] [3] [4] [5]

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References

  1. ↑ "William Brown - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". Rugbyleagueproject.org.
  2. ↑ Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. (1995 edition) ISBN   1875169571
  3. ↑ "Western Suburbs Magpies First Grade Player". Wests Magpies.
  4. ↑ "PREMIERSHIP RECORDS". www.nrl.com.
  5. ↑ "Vale Jack Lackey". prattenparkmagpies.
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