Bill Collier (Australian rugby league)
| Personal information | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ernest Frederick Collier | |||||
| Nickname | Bill | |||||
| Born | 27 June 1921 Kogarah, New South Wales | |||||
| Playing information | ||||||
| Club | ||||||
| Years | Team | Pld | T | G | FG | P |
| 1941–43 | St George Dragons | 28 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Ernest Frederick 'Bill' Collier (born 27 June 1921) was an Australian rugby league player of the 1940s.
Career
Born in Kogarah, New South Wales, 'Bill' Collier played three seasons with St George Dragons during the war years between 1941-1943. He is the last known squad member of the victorious Dragons 1941 premiership season and the losing 1942 Grand Final team who is still alive. [1] He played centre and lock-forward with St George during his time at the club.[2] He is a grandfather to 11 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to 14. [3]
War service
Billy Collier's rugby league career was curtailed by the World War II. He served in the Australian Army between 1942-1946, and saw active service in New Guinea and Borneo.
Accolades
The Ashton-Collier Medal is awarded to the 'man of the match' in the annual St George Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters match that is played on every Anzac Day. The medal is named in honour of Billy Collier and Ferris Ashton.
References
- ↑ http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/just-one-member-of-historic-saints-side-prestent-and-accounted-for/story-e6frexni-1226043491168
- ↑ Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson - The Encyclopdeia of Rugby League Players. 1995 Edition, ISBN 9780732908164
- ↑ The St George and Sutherald Shire Leader (article) "Glory days recalled by the Oldest Dragon.". by Brad Forrest 25/04/2013