Billy Wilson
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Billy Wilson (30 May 1927-25 March 1993) was an Australian rugby league player. He was a front-row forward with the St. George Dragons during their 11 year consecutive premiership winning run from 1956 to 1966. He was a representative in the Australian national team from 1959 to 1960 and in 1963 when he captained the side in two tests against New Zealand.
Born in Blakehurst, New South Wales Wilson was a St George Junior and was graded in 1947. He played 180 games for the Dragons in three periods 1948-1949, 1952-1956 and 1958-1962 and played in six winning Grand Finals.
He is regarded as one of toughest prop forwards to ever play the game, a combatative and fiery enforcer.
Wilson finished his career with three seasons at North Sydney, retiring at age 39 in 1966. He was coach in 1967 and when the club suffered a number of injuries he returned to the playing field for three games in 1967 having already turned 40.
He holds the dual achievements of being the oldest Australian Test captain (36 years and 23 days) and having the longest first grade career of any player (20 seasons)
[edit] Matches played
| Team | Matches | Years |
|---|---|---|
| St.George Dragons | 180 | 1948 - 1962 |
| Norths Sydney Bears | 65 | 1963 - 1967 |
| New South Wales | 6 | 1959 - 1963 |
| Australia (Tests) | 10 | 1959 - 1963 |
[edit] Sources
- Whiticker, Alan (2004) Captaining the Kangaroos, New Holland, Sydney
- Writer, Larry (1995) Never Before, Never Again, Pan MacMillan, Sydney
