Young Careers That Tragically Ended Far Too Early.

[yy_cheng]

Good cricketer though....he was 'back stop' for Balmain for long long time,

could kick goals with both feet, lots of talent, but the heart wasn't there to play

 

[Runaround Man]

Apisai Toga Saints 1973 collapsed during training and died of tetanus poisoning.
http://www.eraofthebiff.com/p-fm20.html

Charles Broonham aged 19 died 1941 after a knock caused internal bleeding whilst playing reserve grade for Norths v Souths.

Geoff Selby Saints d. 1989 car crash
http://forums.leagueunlimited.com/showthread.php?t=121396

Ambrose Morgan The King of Redfern Souths d.1975 gunshot wound to the chest. Was 6 and a half feet and weighed 16 stone! Ambrose had only played a few third and reserve grade games over the years, but he was called up against the mighty Eastern Suburbs in an Amco Cup semi-final at Tamworth. Morgan came on with Souths trailing 2-9, and although Souths eventually lost the match, Morgan cut up the opposition scoring a try and setting up another for his good mate Donnelly. Fast and big, with a step and uncanny ball skills, the afro-haired smiling giant Morgan suddenly stood astride the league world like a colossus. Morgan was trumpeted as the new Beetson, high praise indeed after the match against Artie Beetson himself. Big Artie was then at his peak with Easts (stunning grand final winners over Saint George 36-0) and to give the dynamic prop this tag was a big call. Ambrose had the world at his feet, a chance to both make it in the big time and help his people as well, but no-one could have guessed what was to happen next. He only played 18 games.
http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=8008

Garry Dowling Eels d. 1983 - car accident

George Piper Panther - d. 1968 after a fight outside a nightclub

Dean Byrne - life threatening complications from surgery for a leg injury, then battled addiction to pain killing medication. Played for Saints, Souths and was to join West Tigers. Never played again.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/what-happened-to-the-likely-lads/2006/09/22/1158431904050.html

Spock,
Gary Dowling was the one I was going to mention. He was a hero of mine in late 70's playing fullback for Parra. Very good player. Played for the Kangaroos.

 

[parra pete]

Gary toured New Zealand with the Kangaroos, and got dropped to reserve grade on his return...but yes, he was an exciting player...

 

[Maroubra Eel]

could kick goals with both feet, lots of talent, but the heart wasn't there to play

Don't mention kicking goals with both feet whatever you do.

 

[eels81236]

Don't mention kicking goals with both feet whatever you do.

Did someone mention the greatest #20 the game has seen... Mike Eden?

 

[forward pass]

Spock,
Gary Dowling was the one I was going to mention. He was a hero of mine in late 70's playing fullback for Parra. Very good player. Played for the Kangaroos.

I am pretty sure Gary Dowlings career was well over when he died. Still a fairly young life lost but not a career ending early.

 

[CrazyEel]

I am pretty sure Gary Dowlings career was well over when he died. Still a fairly young life lost but not a career ending early.

Yeah, his best days were at the Dogs and while he had a few good years @ Parra Gibson let him go end of 1980, think he then spent a few average years at Wests.

 

[jono]

Yeah, his best days were at the Dogs and while he had a few good years @ Parra Gibson let him go end of 1980, think he then spent a few average years at Wests.

I think he had about two seasons at Wests , then went to the Sunshine Coast and was killed in a car crash on Tambourine Mountain

 

[JakeD]

Owen Craigie. He had all the talent as a playmaker yet battled with weight issues and other stuff. Remember the chip 'n' chase try he scored for Newcastle. Good stuff.

Matthew Rieck wasn't a bad winger as well, had a lot of pace yet inexplicably vanished after the Tigers' 2005 premiership campaign.

 

[CrazyEel]

I think he had about two seasons at Wests , then went to the Sunshine Coast and was killed in a car crash on Tambourine Mountain

Tambourine Mountain is on the Gold Coast but you could well be right Jono as I do recall hearing that story now that you mention it.

 

[eels81236]

Owen Craigie. He had all the talent as a playmaker yet battled with weight issues and other stuff. Remember the chip 'n' chase try he scored for Newcastle. Good stuff.

Matthew Rieck wasn't a bad winger as well, had a lot of pace yet inexplicably vanished after the Tigers' 2005 premiership campaign.

Matthew Rieck stunk.