Johnny Smith (rugby league) explained

Johnny Smith
Fullname:Johnny Smith
Birth Date:1923
Birth Place:Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Death Date:2 October
Death Place:Camden Haven, New South Wales, Australia
Club1:North Sydney
Year1start:1945
Year1end:46
Appearances1:12
Tries1:5
Goals1:0
Fieldgoals1:0
Points1:15
Club2:Parramatta
Year2start:1947
Year2end:50
Appearances2:46
Tries2:5
Goals2:0
Fieldgoals2:0
Points2:15
Source:[1]

Johnny Smith (1923–2007) was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1940s. He played for North Sydney and Parramatta. He was a foundation player for Parramatta and played in the club's first ever game.

Playing career

Smith made his debut for North Sydney in 1945 and spent two years with the club as they missed out on the finals on both occasions. In 1947, Smith joined Parramatta who had just been admitted into the competition. On 12 April 1947 Parramatta played in their first ever match as a club against Newtown at Cumberland Oval. The game finished in a 34–12 defeat and Parramatta went on to claim the wooden spoon that year after winning only 3 games. Smith went on to play another 3 seasons with the club as they struggled near the bottom of the table but nearly qualified for the finals in 1949 only to miss out by 2 competition points.

Post playing

Smith went on to become a trainer at Parramatta over the next 30 years and was made a life member of the club in 1976. He died on 2 October 2007.[2] [3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Johnny Smith - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project. Rugbyleagueproject.org.
  2. Web site: THROWBACK - 1947 - The Originals. 27 March 2017. Parramatta Eels.
  3. Web site: Official Player Numbers. Parramatta Eels.