Australian rugby league player who played for the Kangaroos and was a pioneer for Indigenous Australians in the sport. He was a talented and dominant player in his era.
Renowned for his exceptional skills as a lock forward in the Australian national rugby league team, Wally Prigg is celebrated as one of the finest footballers of the 20th century. With a remarkable career spanning over a decade, Prigg holds the distinction of being the first Australian player to embark on three tours to Great Britain with the national team.
Throughout his career, Prigg remained loyal to his club, Newcastle Wests and Central Charlestown, where he excelled as a forward. At the age of 20, he made his debut for New South Wales, going on to make 32 appearances for the state, a record at the time. His impressive performance earned him a whopping 36 points, with 12 tries to his credit.
Prigg's revolutionary approach to the lock position transformed the game, focusing on short passing and close support play. His remarkable skills on the field inspired a new generation of players, earning him a revered place in the annals of rugby league history.
Prigg's outstanding performance at the club and state level led to his selection for the Australian national rugby league team. He was part of the historic 1929-30 and 1933-34 tours of Great Britain, as well as the 1935 and 1937 tours of New Zealand. His exceptional leadership skills earned him the captaincy of the Kangaroo Tour of England in 1937-38, where he led the team to victory in all five Tests.
Throughout his representative career, Prigg played 19 Tests for Australia, scoring four tries and amassing 12 points. He holds the record for the most Test caps for the Kangaroos, surpassing the record set by Sid Pearce, an original Kangaroo tourist.
After retiring from the sport, Prigg went on to operate a general store in the Newcastle suburb of Hamilton. Though he passed away in 1980, his legacy continues to inspire generations of rugby league enthusiasts. His pioneering spirit, exceptional skills, and remarkable achievements have cemented his place as one of the all-time greats of the sport.
Wally Prigg's remarkable journey is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate, ensuring his place in the annals of rugby league history remains unrivaled.
78 Years Old
A renowned rugby league player, coach, and sportscaster, known for his exceptional skills on the field and insightful commentary off it. He's a legendary figure in Australian rugby league history.
93 Years Old
Australian rugby league legend, known for his iconic playing career and coaching successes, including four premierships with St. George Dragons.
Born in 1924
Australian rugby league player who scored 740 tries in his career, a record that still stands today.