1954 SEASON

1954 was another very poor season and the press was not backward in heavily criticising the Administration. Keith Holman took over as Coach and continued his personal outstanding form, gaining selection in the Australian team against England and in the World Series Touring team. As Secretary Lou Moses said in the Annual Report “…. it is farcical trying to hide the facts, he never had the material..” Only six wins and one draw from 18 games was very disappointing. An interesting fact was that the Third Grade Coach was future referee Laurie Bruyeres.

Player losses included greats Arthur Collinson, Kevin Hansen, Col Ratcliff and Frank Stanmore. New players included Don Graham from Parramatta, Hall of Famer Neville “Boxhead” Charlton, John Thompson (ex-RU), Doug Smith from Country and Bill Carson. To emphasise Lou Moses’ comment, Neville Charlton, a forward, was the leading try-scorer with eight.

The Junior Competition, however, was very strong with winners: A Grade – Auburn, B Grade – Enfield Waratah, C Grade – Burwood, D Grade – Burwood.

At least the end of season tour to Griffith produced a 49-8 win.

Hall of Fame Member Neville “Boxhead” Charlton