William Ryan (rugby league) explained

William Ryan
Fullname:William Joseph Ryan
Birth Date:24 September 1919
Birth Place:Petersham, New South Wales, Australia
Death Place:near Sanananda, Territory of New Guinea
Retired:yes
Club1:Newtown Bluebags
Year1start:1941
Appearances1:12
Tries1:11
Goals1:0
Fieldgoals1:0
Points1:33
Teama:New South Wales
Yearastart:1941
Appearancesa:1
Triesa:1
Goalsa:0
Fieldgoalsa:0
Pointsa:3
Teamb:New South Wales City
Yearbstart:1941
Appearancesb:1
Triesb:0
Goalsb:0
Fieldgoalsb:0
Pointsb:0
Source:[1]

William Joseph Ryan (24 September 1919 – 7 December 1942) was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the New South Wales Rugby League for Newtown Bluebags. He also represented New South Wales.

Early life and rugby career

Ryan was born on 24 September 1919 in Petersham to William Joseph and Eva Ryan.[2] His brother, Bruce, would also play rugby league for Newtown Bluebags.

Ryan played as a centre in 12 matches for Newtown Bluebags in 1941, gaining 11 tries and 33 points. He also played representatively for New South Wales and New South Wales City.

Military career

Ryan served as a lieutenant in the 55/53 Infantry Battalion of the Second Australian Imperial Force during the Second World War. He was killed near Sanananda in the New Guinea campaign on 7 December 1942.[3] Ryan is buried at Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery.

Career statistics

Club! rowspan="2"
SeasonDivisionLeagueOtherTotal
AppsTriesGoalsPointsAppsTriesGoalsPointsAppsTriesGoalsPoints
Newtown Bluebags1941New South Wales Rugby League121103300001211033
Club career total121103300001211033
New South Wales1941Representative110300001103
New South Wales City1941100000001000
Representative career total210300002103
Career total141203600001412036

Notes and References

  1. Web site: William Ryan – Career Stats and Summary . 16 July 2020 . Rugby League Project.
  2. Web site: World War Two Service . 16 July 2020 . Australian Government – Department of Veterans' Affairs.
  3. News: Middleton . David . 24 April 2010 . Footy stars taken on battlefield . Courier Mail . 16 July 2020.