George Green (rugby league) facts for kids
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Personal information
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| Full name | Edward George Green | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 17 December 1883 Grafton, New South Wales |
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| Died | 17 November 1938 (aged 54) Dural, New South Wales |
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Playing information
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| Position | Lock, Second-row, Hooker | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: rugbyleagueproject
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Edward George Green was a very important Australian rugby league player. He was born on December 17, 1883, in Grafton, New South Wales. Many people believe he was the first Indigenous Australian to play top-level rugby league in Australia.
Playing for Clubs
George Green played for two main club teams. He played for Eastern Suburbs for four seasons. This was from 1908 to 1911. Then he played for North Sydney for ten seasons. This was between 1912 and 1922.
George was a "utility forward." This means he could play in different positions in the forward part of the team. He started his career with Eastern Suburbs in 1908. This was the very first year rugby league began in Australia. In 1911, his Eastern Suburbs team won their first ever championship, called a premiership.
The next year, George moved to the North Sydney club. He stayed there for the next ten seasons. In 1916, he became the captain of the North Sydney team. From 1918 to 1919, he was both the captain and the coach.
George Green was also a vice-captain for North Sydney. This was during their best years, when they won two premierships. These wins happened in 1921 and 1922. People described George as "scholarly" and a "trend-setter." He was a favorite with the fans. He always played with all his heart and often made important plays. People also said he was a true gentleman, both on and off the field.
Coaching and Helping Rugby League
George Green was a key person in setting up the junior rugby league in Eastern Suburbs. He was the first main organizer for this league. He also coached the team that won the first President Cup competition. This was a special tournament.
After his playing days, George became a vice president of the North Sydney club in 1923. He also helped manage the club's money.
Later, George left the main rugby league scene in Sydney. He then spent time coaching the Lismore Rugby League club. This was in northern New South Wales. He had great success there in 1931. Because of his work, a team from this league was chosen to play in the important Bulimba Cup competition.
He also coached the Cessnock club in the 1930s. While coaching in Cessnock, he discovered a very talented player named Ray Markham. Ray went on to have a fantastic career in England. He played for the Huddersfield club for six seasons. He scored 255 tries and won a Challenge Cup medal.
George Green also gave many talks in country areas of New South Wales. He taught many players and coaches how to play rugby league better.
His Passing
George Green passed away at his home in Dural, New South Wales on November 17, 1938. His funeral was held two days later at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium.
Special Recognitions
George Green is remembered as the 20th player ever for the Sydney Roosters club.
An award for Indigenous Australian rugby league players is named in his honor. It is called the George Green Medal. This medal was first given out in 2008.
Sometimes, people have discussed George Green's background. During his life, George told people he was from the Pacific Islands, either Polynesian or Maori.
