James “Jim” Stack was first recorded playing rugby union with the Ashfield Borough Club in the early 1900’s. By 1905 he was playing rugby union with Wests First Grade team while at the same time coaching the Ashfield rugby team.
The Ashfield Rugby Union Club was influential in the establishment of Wests Rugby League in 1908. In February 1908 a large meeting of footballers met at Ashfield Town Hall. A motion by Jim Stack, seconded by Charlie Elliott, resolved to form a Western Suburbs Rugby League Club.
