Gordon McLennan (rugby league)

Gordon Douglas McLennan (1914–1966) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1930s and 1940s. An Australia national and New South Wales state representative forward, he played his club football in Sydney for Newtown (with whom he won the 1943 NSWRFL Premiership), as well as in country New South Wales.

Gordon McLennan
Gordon McLennan. 1937
Personal information
Full nameGordon Douglas McLennan
Born(1914-11-23)23 November 1914
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Died4 January 1966(1966-01-04) (aged 51)
Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
PositionProp
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1934–45 Newtown 94 5 0 0 15
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1937 New South Wales 1 1 0 0 3
1937–38 Australia 0 0 0 0 0
1937 NSW Country 1 0 0 0 0
Source: [1]

Playing career
McLennan (back row 2nd from right) in the Newtown 1943 premiership team

A local Newtown junior player, McLennan came through the ranks to become a first grade player in 1934. A wharf laborer throughout his life, McLennan was a feared front-row forward who played with Newtown for ten seasons between 1934-1937 and 1940–1945. His representative career was only one appearance for New South Wales in 1937, although he was selected to tour with the 1937/38 Kangaroos and played 16 minor matches. He is listed on the Australian Players Register as Kangaroo No. 211.[2]

The highlight of McLennan's club career was winning the 1943 Grand Final with Newtown, partnering the iconic Frank 'Bumper' Farrell in the front row. McLennan also had a stint as captain-coach of Cooma rugby league club in 1938–1939.[3]

Death

McLennan died on 4 January 1966 from a heart attack, age 51.[4]

References
  1. "Gordon McLennan - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". Rugbyleagueproject.org.
  2. ARL Annual Report 2005, page 53
  3. Alan Whiticker & Glen Hudson, The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. 2005. ISBN 9780732908164
  4. Sydney Morning Herald - Death notice - 06/01/1966
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