Jack Kessey Explained

Jack Kessey
Fullname:John Horace Press Kessey
Birth Date:17 March 1902
Birth Place:Rockley, New South Wales, Australia
Death Place:Lewisham, New South Wales, Australia
Retired:yes
Club1:Newtown
Year1start:1926
Year1end:32
Appearances1:70
Tries1:26
Goals1:0
Fieldgoals1:0
Points1:78
Source:[1]

Jack Kessey (1902–1974) was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1920s and 1930s. He played for the Newtown in the NSWRL premiership. His position was as a winger.

Playing career

A Newtown junior, Kessey made his debut for the club in Round 15 of the 1926 season against St George. In 1928, Kessey was a member of the Newtown side which finished last on the table with only one win for the entire season. In 1929, Newtown's fortunes changed and the club went from wooden spooners to grand finalists as they faced South Sydney in the 1929 decider. Kessey captained the team as they were soundly beaten by Souths 30–10 at the Sydney Sports Ground.

Kessey played a further three seasons for Newtown and retired at the end of 1932, a year before the club was to claim their second premiership in 1933. Kessey later became treasurer at the club and Kessey's son Horrie Kessey later played for Newtown on 76 occasions between 1946 and 1953.[2]

Kessey co-managed the 1961 Australian tour of New Zealand.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Jack Kessey – Career Stats & Summary – Rugby League Project. Rugbyleagueproject.org.
  2. Web site: RIP Horrie Kessey. Stuart. McCarthy. 14 January 2015.
  3. New South Wales Rugby Football League. . The Rugby League News . Sydney . N.S.W. Rugby Football League . Trove . 1920. Popular Pair As Managers To N.Z.. 42. 11 (12 June 1961). nla.obj-757061231. 17 Jan 2021.