John McDonald treasured a hidden object from Queensland’s first State of Origin game for the rest of his life because he loved it so much.
Advertisement
Toowoomba-based McDonald, a former standout center who played 13 Tests for Australia before coaching Queensland in the historic first State of Origin game at Suncorp Stadium when the Maroons defeated NSW 20-10, passed away late on Wednesday afternoon at the age of 79.
Advertisement
In the late 1970s, he also served as Queensland’s coach. In 1980, he served as the Maroons’ first State of Origin team’s coach. He advanced to the post of Queensland Rugby League (QRL) President by the end of the decade, joined the National Rugby League Executive Committee in 1998, and was appointed Chairman of the QRL and Australian Rugby League Board of Directors.
John McDonald (rugby) wife: Meet Joan McDonald
Above all, John was a devoted husband and father who brought up six kids with his wife, Joan. As a volunteer for the Family of League Foundation (formerly Men of League), where John was a “Honouree,” Joan has put in a lot of effort recently.
Leave a Reply