Frank Fisher (rugby league) facts for kids
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Personal information
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| Born | 1905 Townsville, Queensland, Australia |
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| Died | 1980 (aged 74–75) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Playing information
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| Position | five-eighth, halfback | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Frank Fisher (1905–1980) was an amazing Aboriginal Australian rugby league player. People called him "Big Shot" and "King" Fisher. Many said he was like the Wally Lewis of Aboriginal rugby league. He was even chosen for the Indigenous Australian Rugby League Team of the Century.
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Frank Fisher: A Sporting Legend
Frank Fisher was a famous Australian athlete. He was known for his skills in both rugby league and cricket. His talent made him a true legend in Australian sports history.
Early Life and Family
Frank Fisher was born in 1905 in Townsville, Queensland. His parents were Frank Fisher Sr. and Rosie Shilling. Frank's father served in the military. Frank wanted to join too in 1940, but he was not allowed for reasons beyond his control.
Frank Fisher is also the grandfather of Cathy Freeman. She is a famous Australian track athlete and an Olympic gold medalist.
Rugby League Career
In the 1930s, Frank Fisher was the captain of the Barambah rugby league team. He was a very strong leader.
In 1932 and 1936, he played as a half-back for the Wide Bay team. They played against the Great Britain touring teams. The English captain, Jim Brough, said Fisher was the best country player they had ever seen.
Because of Brough's praise, Fisher was offered a chance to play in Salford, England. However, the Queensland Government did not allow him to travel. He was described as fast and had a special side-step. He often played as a fly-half or centre three-quarter.
Even in 1946, Frank Fisher was still leading the Cherbourg team to victory as captain.
Cricket Achievements
Frank Fisher also showed his amazing talent in cricket. One time, he played for the Cherbourg A Grade team against Goomeri. He scored 105 runs very quickly, in just 32 minutes!
During that game, he hit 11 sixes and 5 fours. His team won by a lot of runs. This happened even when their usual fast bowler, Eddie Gilbert, was not playing. Frank Fisher's incredible cricket feat was even reported all over Australia.
Awards and Recognition
Frank Fisher has been honored for his contributions to sports. On June 8, 1996, a bridge over Barambah Creek in Cherbourg was named after him. This was a special way to remember his legacy.
In 2010, Frank Fisher was chosen as a member of the Australian rugby league's Indigenous Team of the Century. This shows how important and skilled he was in the sport.
