Joe Mansted played rugby league with the Newtown Club on his return from the First World War. He was with Newtown for four years before joining Wests in 1924. The Rugby League News in July 1924 noted that;
“One of Western Suburbs outstanding players this season has undoubtedly been J. Mansted. As a centre three-quarter he plays one of the best games in the metropolitan area. He is always a source of danger to the opposition. He is a deadly tackler, and has rarely been known to take the dummy. In attack he is equally at home, and he uses his weight to advantage. Mansted possesses a fair amount of pace, a good fend and cuts in prettily. Wests are indeed fortunate to have secured his assistance this season, as he has made a big difference to their three-quarter line.”
