1944 SEASON

Henry Bolewski, a former Australian Test winger and Queensland representative, was appointed as Wests First Grade Coach in 1944. However, Bolewski resigned mid-season after Wests had only the one win under his stewardship.

However, Wests were fortunate enough to pick the experienced Newtown player Paddy Bugden who had moved out to Lidcombe, and therefore was residentially qualified to play for Western Suburbs. There was a catch, in that under the qualification rules, Paddy Bugden could not actually play until mid-season.

Paddy did play seven First Grade games for Wests, and while his form was not up to his previous standard, he took over the coaching role vacated by Henry Bolewski and guided Wests to three wins, three losses and a draw in the second half of the season.

With the momentum gained under Paddy Bugden and the Third-Grade team taking out the 1944 premiership, Wests were looking good for 1945. It would be the start of the next golden era for the Club.

Western Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club
3rd Grade Premiers – 1944

Back: J Neil (President), W Wamlsey (3rd Grade Secretary), W Spooner (Selector), J Edgar, J Knox (Coach), R Reimer, J O’Brien (Selector), L Lackey (Selector)
Middle: L Moses (Selector), F Morris, R Maloney, L. Rigby, E Dunn, J Woods, D Milton, W Rawlinson, R Liston (Timekeeper)
Front Row: J Spooner, L Hoschke, K Ibbett, E Davies, J Rawlinson, D Thomas, B McLennon
In Front: V Smith, S Austin, R Topham, Inset: R Davison, K Fewtrell (Ball Boy)

Western Suburbs DRLFC President’s Cup/Inter District Squads – 1944

Western Districts:
Fullback: H Boots, Three Quarters: R Danswan, W White, E Duff, M Wilson, Halves: R McIntosh, J Hayward, Forwards: S Fornari, T Tammut, J Sewart, L Fredericks, R W G Croghan, E Loveday, Reserves: K Stead, K Ashpole, L Brien, M G Gibson