Under Construction
Noel Raymond Kelly was born in the Ipswich district of Queensland in 1936. He grew up in the Ipswich suburb of Goodna where he played his junior rugby league. By 1958 he was playing with Ipswich Brothers and Bulimba Cup football.
At Ipswich, Noel was part of a powerful front row with Gary Parcell and Dud Beatie. He was soon recognised by the Selectors and played for Queensland and Australia in 1959.
He came down to Sydney in 1961 and joined Wests where he played one hundred and eleven premiership games, all in First Grade. An uncompromising player, he was sent off on seventeen occasions, some of which were for scrum infringements.
Noel was inducted into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2008. The Hall of Fame web site has a tribute including video to Noel Kelly which can be viewed by clicking on the Noel Kelly Hall of Fame.
The Noel Kelly story is still “Under Construction” and further information will be added over time. Pratten Park Magpies have also created a tribute to Noel which can be accessed by clicking on Noel Kelly tribute.
Noel Kelly in Action