Jersey Flegg

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Formerly Eastern Suburbs

Harry "Jersey" Flegg (born 1878 in Lancashire, England), Flegg was a leading figure in the birth of rugby league in Australia.

Flegg emigrated to Australia at an early age. He received his nickname ‘Jersey’ while still at school, after a meeting with the New South Wales (NSW) Governor of the time, Lord Jersey, who had bright red hair, similar to his own.

‘Jersey’ played rugby union for the Adelphi club and represented NSW in that sport before switching codes in rugby leagues start up season – 1908.

‘Jersey’ played a leading role in the establishment of the Eastern suburbs club, he chaired the founding meeting, was one of that clubs two delegates to the New South Wales Rugby League as well as being a club selector. A front row forward with a reputation as a solid defender, Flegg captained the side in its inaugural season, including the clubs first match and the NSWRL’s first premiership decider against neighbouring Sydney club and traditional rival South Sydney. Flegg was also selected in a sydney based representative team during that first season. However, it is in administration that 'Jersey' is best remembered.

In 1909 Flegg was made a NSW and Australian selector, in 1929 he was appointed to the position of president of the NSWRL, then In 1941 he became chairman of the Australian Rugby League Board of Control. At the time of his death in 1960, aged 82, he was still serving in these roles.

A life member of the Australian, British and French Rugby Leagues, Flegg received further recognition when in 1961 the H. Jersey Flegg Cup was introduced. His contribution to rugby league extended over half a century and during his tenure at the head of the game's administration, rugby league prospered, cementing itself as the dominant football code throughout the Australian states of NSW and Queensland.