Phil Franks grew up in the inner city suburbs of Sydney and was educated at Holy Cross College Ryde. He played his junior rugby league with Glebe Police Boys in the Balmain district. Glebe Police Boys has produced some very good sportsmen including Wests players Steve Satterley and Col Lewis. It was also where tennis legend Lew Hoad started.
Frank first played rugby league with the Balmain club before having stints at Penrith, North Sydney and Wests. He has been described as a clever but tough competitor which has served him well in his post playing career.
In the 2000’s Phil was the driving force behind the Hybrid Code concept. This combined rugby league and rugby union rules into a hybrid code. Wests won the inaugural challenge against the Randwick rugby union club in 2015.
Phil Franks in Action 1971
