One of rugby league’s greatest ever hookers, Ian Walsh has passed away at the age of 80.
Affectionately known as “Abdul” Walsh played 96 premiership matches with St. George and played in five premiership wins in his six years with the club from 1962 to 1967.
Walsh also played 25 Test matches for Australia and a further 39 tour matches for his country. He also represented both City and Country as well as New South Wales.
Walsh is the only player to achieve a unique double which is unlikely to be ever paralleled. He both captained coached his club side to a premiership and his country to an Ashes win, both in 1966.
Immortal John Raper said of Walsh ‘‘He was one of the toughest blokes you would ever meet but also one of the most intelligent. Whenever he spoke about the game of rugby league it was worth listening to. He is among the best to have played the game, no doubt about it.”
Walsh has often been given credit for being the original dummy half running hooker. A move that changed the face of the game and that is more prevalent today than ever.
Walsh played in country sides at Condoblin, Parkes, Forbes and Eugowra. He was selected to represent the Western Division when they hosted the 1951 French touring side and lost.
It was as a country representative that his international debut was against New Zealand in 1959, and later that year was selected for the 1959-60 Kangaroo tour. He played in all six Tests and in 17 minor tour matches.
Walsh was also the unfortunate captain coach who had the unenviable mantle of being at the helm when St George’s run of eleven premierships ended. This was something that Walsh handled with the greatest sportsmanship.
Walsh returned to coach the Parramatta Eels in 1971 and 1972. He later became a highly respected columnist with the Daily Telegraph.
Walsh passed away in his home town of Forbes and is survived by his widow Margot, his daughters Terri and Donna and his grandchildren Timothy, Andrew, Lilly, Michael and Peter.
The Dragons will wear black arm bands as a mark of respect for Walsh this weekend Prior to their clash with Newcastle. The teams will also pause for a minute’s silence prior to kick-off.
Vale Ian Walsh.
Johnno
Guest
Looked up his resume, never heard of him. But wow, a true icon of the game. He was rated as one of rugby league's 100 best players ever. And unique too, he captain coached Australia wow, and also captained coached the dragons to a NSWRL tittle. He was from the old school when country footy divisions, the teams could match the NSWRL teams in sydney. Great days, he was a man amongst man. He will be missed Ian Walsh. Like the Moose, real old school, and he had a glittering career, did Ian Walsh. He's probably up there now in heaven having a laugh with Frank Hyde, Jack Gibson, and Rex the moose Mossop, Ron Massey,Ron Willey, Arthur Beetson, and Clive Churchill. Vale Ian Walsh