Australian rugby league footballer
Walter Mussing (1916-1990) was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1930s and 1940s.
Background
Walter Mussing was the son of Vanuatu born father who was a share-farmer from Murwillumbah, New South Wales and was one of eight children.[1] Walter Mussing was an elder brother of the noted Australian civil rights activist Faith Bandler. He started his rugby league career in Brisbane, Queensland and often played with the Queensland 'All Blacks' teams of the era with another Ex St. George Dragons player Walter Slockie.
Career
Mussing came to St. George via the local Tweed Heads rugby league club in 1945. He made an immediate impact at the Dragons as a blockbusting try scorer. He was the club's top try scorer in his debut year, and was immensely popular with the fans. The following year, Mussing was one of the major contributors to the club's fantastic season, although he missed the 1946 Grand Final after suffering a broken collar-bone in the second last club game of the year. His place in the team was ultimately given to the young local junior Chick Donnelley.[2] Mussing stayed with the club for the 1947 season, before returning to Queensland in 1948 to play for the Fingal All Blacks.[3][4]
Death
He died on 27 January 1990 aged 73.[5]
References
- ^ N.S.W, Births Reference No 19164/1916 (Surname transcribed as 'Massing').
- ^ Sydney Morning Herald (10 September 1946) "Mussing Not In St. George Side For Final". (page 7)
- ^ The Courier Mail (20/03/1948, page 5) "Mussing To Lead 'All Blacks' Side"
- ^ Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. 1995 (ISBN 1875169571)
- ^ Sydney Morning Herald: Death Notice, 29 January 1990.
