THE RUGBY REBELLION
'Excerpt'
Copyright © 2005, 2007, Sean Fagan / RL1908

MESSENGER SHREDS THE CRITICS

The Blues team included Dally Messenger, however, his selection as a centre was heavily criticised — his propensity for roving about the field looking for opportunities worked against established rugby union principles of combination, staying in position and team work. Messenger said the ‘critics went berserk’ over his selection and that ‘with some of them everything was hide-bound convention — anyone who broke the conventions was useless.’

Messenger was fast becoming the most popular footballer with the Sydney public, but with the press and the rugby community itself he was causing a divide. Lauded for his individual brilliance, he was loathed by many for not being a team player. Messenger felt the barbs, but decided ‘to play my own game, to rove as I liked.’

In a performance many rated as the most exhilarating seen in an inter-state contest, NSW overran the Queenslanders 25–3. Quite apart from his exceptional goal and line kicking, Messenger provided some of the day’s best play. The Referee recalling two efforts that resulted in tries for the Blues. ‘Suddenly from a scrummage at half-way, Matthews (NSW) came away on the open side of the field. He gave the ball to Mandible, to Russell, to Messenger, who cut through. He sent it to Wickham, back to Messenger, who gave it back to Wickham, who scored in the corner. It was a very brilliant piece of play — the ball travelling at great speed.’

In a later move, NSW punted down field where ‘the Queensland backs went for the ball leisurely, and before the fullback was able to reach it the nippy Messenger flew along, gathered it in and was across the line in a shot.’

The Sunday Sun interviewed George Smith after the match: ‘When asked his opinion of the game, he said he never saw the Blues play better.’ About the impressive display by the home team’s backs, Smith said, ‘Their passing was sure, and their line-kicking splendid. It was a good game to watch, and a great improvement has taken place in the style of game you play during the last couple of years.’

Players and officials alike looked forward to that evening, when the NSWRU would host a function where all four teams (NSW, Queensland, Auckland and Glebe) and many others would be in attendance. It was the largest ever gathering of the best footballers in Australasian rugby and provided an unexpected opportunity for them all to meet and talk.

Copyright © 2005, 2007, Sean Fagan / RL1908