Matt Donovan (rugby league)

Matt Donovan
Personal information
Full name Mathew Donovan
Born Australia
Playing information
Position Fullback, Wing, Centre, Five-eighth
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1992 Gold Coast Seagulls 10 1 0 0 4
1993 Penrith Panthers 4 0 0 0 0
Total 14 1 0 0 4
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2000 Russia 2 1 0 0 4
Source: RLP

Matt Donovan is an Australian rugby league player who currently plays for the Coffs Harbour Comets in the Group 2 Rugby League competition. He represented Russia in the 2000 World Cup.

Playing career

A utility back, Donovan first played for the Macksville Sea Eagles in the Group 2 Rugby League competition and was part of the side that won the premiership in 1991.[1]

He then spent time in the New South Wales Rugby League premiership, playing for the Gold Coast Seagulls in 1992 and the Penrith Panthers in 1993.

Donovan then returned to the Group 2 Rugby League competition and became a star. Donovan has played for both the Orara Valley Axemen and the Coffs Harbour club.[2][3]

Donovan was named in both the 90's and 00's Group 2 Rugby League "team of the decade" and is regarded as one of the 'top five' from the centenary of the game in Group 2.[4]

During the 2000 World Cup, Donovan was one of seven Australians in the Russian team, playing in two matches.[5] Donovan qualified for Russia due to Russian ancestry.

References

  1. Macksville District Rugby League Club reunion group2.leaguenet.com.au
  2. Mustangs dazed after Axe attack The Macleay Argus, 28 August 2007
  3. Finals action begins Coffs Coast Independent, 25 August 2011
  4. Group 2 'team of decade' The Coffs Coast Advocate, 9 October 2009
  5. From Russia with Australians bbc.co.uk, 17 October 2000