Bill Roney Explained

Bill Roney should not be confused with Bill Rooney.

Bill Roney
Fullname:William Roney
Birth Place:Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Club1:Eastern Suburbs
Year1start:1959
Year1end:62
Appearances1:52
Tries1:15
Goals1:0
Fieldgoals1:0
Points1:45
Club2:Parramatta
Year2start:1963
Year2end:64
Appearances2:27
Tries2:7
Goals2:0
Fieldgoals2:0
Points2:21
Teama:NSW City
Yearastart:1961
Appearancesa:1
Triesa:0
Goalsa:0
Fieldgoalsa:0
Pointsa:0
Updated:18 April 2019
Source:[1]

Bill Roney is an Australian former rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s and 1960s. He played for Eastern Suburbs and Parramatta in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition.

Background

Roney was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and played his junior rugby league for Clovelly.

Rugby League career

Roney made his first grade debut for Eastern Suburbs in 1959. In 1960, Eastern Suburbs reached the NSWRL grand final against St George. Roney played at centre as St George were never troubled by Easts winning their 5th straight premiership 31–6 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. In 1961, Roney was selected to play for NSW City. At club level, Easts finished just outside the top 5 in Roney's 2 final seasons at the club.

In 1963, Roney joined Parramatta. Between 1947 and 1961, the club had finished last 9 times but under the arrival of coach Ken Kearney became a competitive side. In Roney's first year at Parramatta, the club reached the preliminary final but were defeated by St George. In 1964, Parramatta enjoyed their best season since entering the competition finishing the regular season in 2nd place. The club again reached the preliminary final stage but were defeated by Balmain. Roney retired following the conclusion of the 1964 season.[2] [3] [4] [5]

Water Polo career

Roney played for the Bondi Water Polo club in the Sydney first grade competition. He was a part of Bondi's premiership winning seasons in 1955/56, 1956/57, and 1960/61.

Roney’s greatest individual accolade was representing NSW at the 1960 Australian championships. Playing alongside Dick Thornett and John Thornett, NSW finished 2nd behind Victoria at the championships.

See played water polo against Easts teammate Dick See. See represented the Bronte Water Polo club throughout his career.[6]

Post playing

Roney later went on to become a doctor and a surgeon and ran a practice in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bill Roney - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project. Rugbyleagueproject.org.
  2. Web site: Men's Honour Roll. Sydney Roosters. 18 April 2019. 27 March 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090103/https://www.roosters.com.au/about/past-players/. dead.
  3. Web site: Official Player Numbers. Parramatta Eels.
  4. Web site: Hall of fame. www.clovellycrocodiles.com.au.
  5. Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. (1995 edition)
  6. The Spirit of Bronte, page 79, 82, 95, 121