John Donnelly (rugby league) facts for kids
|
Personal information
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | John William Donnelly | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 3 September 1954 Gunnedah, New South Wales, Australia |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | 22 February 1986 (aged 31) Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Playing information
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Prop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
As of 25 January 2024
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
John "Dallas" Donnelly (born September 3, 1954 – died February 22, 1986) was an Australian professional rugby league player. He was known for his strong play in the 1970s and 1980s. John played for the Australian Kangaroos (Australia's national team) and the New South Wales Blues. He spent most of his career with the Western Suburbs club from 1975 to 1984.
Playing Career of John Donnelly
John Donnelly was often called "Dallas" because of his large size. He grew up in Gunnedah, a country town in New South Wales. In 1973, he played for New South Wales and was named the country player of the year.
In 1975, John moved to Sydney to play for the Western Suburbs club. He quickly became very well-known for his tough play on the field. He was also known for his fun and sometimes cheeky personality off the field.
Under coach Roy Masters, Donnelly was part of a very strong group of forwards (players who push and tackle) for Wests in the late 1970s. His excellent performance led to him being chosen to play for Australia in 1978 against New Zealand.
Later in the 1980s, John faced challenges with his weight. He also had to miss games due to suspensions. In 1985, he moved to England to play for the Southend Invicta club for the 1985–1986 season.
Tragic Passing
After his season in England, John Donnelly returned to Australia in 1986. He was going to be the captain and coach for the Byron Bay Red Devils team. This team played in Group 18 of the Country Rugby League.
Sadly, before the season began, John passed away at the age of 31. He was surfing at Byron Bay when he had a sudden medical event. This caused him to drown.
Achievements and Legacy
John Donnelly played for the Western Suburbs Magpies for ten seasons. Because of his dedication, he was given a special "life membership" with the club. This is a big honor.
Ron Watson, a former coach and player for Wests, said that John was one of the most popular players he had ever seen at the club. Writer Alan Whiticker also noted that John Donnelly was a very important part of the Wests club's history.
In 2004, John Donnelly was recognized as one of the best players in the club's history. He was named as a "prop" (a specific playing position) in the Western Suburbs Magpies Team of the Century.
