Denis Lutge

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Denis Lutge (born 26 November 1879) was a pioneer Australian rugby league player and representative and was the second captain of the Australian national rugby league team. Along with Dally Messenger, Micky Dore, Doug McLean snr and Johnny Rosewell he was one of the inaugural five Australian dual code rugby internationals who having earlier represented at rugby union, debuted in international rugby league in Sydney on 9th May 1908 in the first ever Australian league Test against New Zealand.

Australian national rugby league captain

Before playing rugby league Lutge played for the North Sydney rugby union club from 1901 until 1907. He was named foundation captain of the North Sydney rugby league club in 1908. Lutge represented New South Wales that year and in May, like two other of the five inaugural selectors (Hennessy & Dore) Lutge picked himself for the first two rugby league internationals against New Zealand. He was selected as captain for the 3rd Test in June 1908 and led the Australia to their first international rugby league victory after they had lost the first two matches under Arthur Hennessy.

Lutge was named captain for the Kangaroo Tour of 1908 and 1909, but broke his arm before he had the opportunity to captain Australia against England.

Upon returning to Australia he retired from football.