William Ryan (rugby league)

William Ryan
Personal information
Full nameWilliam Joseph Ryan
Born(1919-09-24)24 September 1919
Petersham, New South Wales, Australia
Died7 December 1942(1942-12-07) (aged 23)
near Sanananda, Territory of New Guinea
Playing information
PositionCentre
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1941 Newtown Bluebags 12 11 0 0 33
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1941 New South Wales 1 1 0 0 3
1941 New South Wales City 1 0 0 0 0
Source: [1]
RelativesBruce Ryan (brother)
Military career
Allegiance Australia
Service / branch Australian Army
Years of service1941-1942
RankLieutenant
Unit55/53 Infantry Battalion
Battles / wars

William Joseph Ryan (24 September 1919 – 7 December 1942) was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the New South Wales Rugby League for Newtown Bluebags. He also represented New South Wales.[1]

Early life and rugby career

Ryan was born on 24 September 1919 in Petersham to William Joseph and Eva Ryan.[2][3] His brother, Bruce, would also play rugby league for Newtown Bluebags.[1]

Ryan played as a centre in 12 matches for Newtown Bluebags in 1941, gaining 11 tries and 33 points.[1] He also played representatively for New South Wales and New South Wales City.[1]

Military career

Ryan served as a lieutenant in the 55/53 Infantry Battalion of the Second Australian Imperial Force during the Second World War.[2][3] He was killed near Sanananda in the New Guinea campaign on 7 December 1942.[4] Ryan is buried at Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery.[2]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season Division League Other Total
Apps Tries Goals Points Apps Tries Goals Points Apps Tries Goals Points
Newtown Bluebags 1941 New South Wales Rugby League[1] 12 11 0 33 0 0 0 0 12 11 0 33
Club career total 12 11 0 33 0 0 0 0 12 11 0 33
New South Wales 1941 Representative[1] 1 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 3
New South Wales City 1941 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Representative career total 2 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 3
Career total 14 12 0 36 0 0 0 0 14 12 0 36

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "William Ryan – Career Stats and Summary". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  2. ^ a b c "Casualty Details: Ryan, William Joseph". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  3. ^ a b "World War Two Service". Australian Government – Department of Veterans' Affairs. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  4. ^ Middleton, David (24 April 2010). "Footy stars taken on battlefield". Courier Mail. Retrieved 16 July 2020.