John McDonald was an Australian rugby league football player, coach, and administrator who died on September 13, 2023. He was a tall three-quarter back who played club football in Toowoomba. He was selected for the Australian test team and played 10 times for Queensland.
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McDonald relocated to the south in 1969 and joined the Manly-Warringah team to compete in the New South Wales Rugby Football League’s premiership. After representing his adopted country, he went on an Australian vice-captaincy tour of New Zealand.
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In the club’s 1970 NSWRFL season grand final loss to South Sydney, he later led Manly from the flank as captain. After three seasons with the Sea Eagles, McDonald headed back to Queensland to captain-coach Toowoomba. Following his retirement, he was chosen as the club’s president.
John McDonald: Queensland’s first State of Origin coach dies aged 79
John McDonald, a legendary figure in Queensland rugby league and the first Maroons State of Origin coach, passed away after a glorious playing, coaching, and administrative career. McDonald, who was referred to as “Cracker” by everyone and with respect, passed away on Wednesday in his hometown of Toowoomba at the age of 79.
Among his many accomplishments, Wally Lewis and Chris Close of the Maroons have lauded his role as coach in Queensland’s 20-10 victory over NSW in the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980 as being essential.
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