Trevor Allan

When thrust into the leadership role on the 1947-48 tour of Great Britain, Trevor Allan became the second youngest Wallaby captain in RU history ('Jimmy' Flynn at age 20 in 1914 was the youngest). Described as the 'complete centre', Allan played in 15 Tests including a record 10 in succession before controversially changing codes to play for English club Leigh in 1950 (Allan had denied mid-season that he had signed). A demon tackler for his size in his trademark headgear, Allan was a big hit in England, scoring 54 tries in 97 matches. An ankle injury led to the lightly framed centre returning home in 1954 and he signed with Norths (where he had been a local junior in RU) two years later. Captain-coach of the club in 1957-58, Australian fans did not see Allan at his best and he retired in 1959 to forge a formidable career as an ABC commentator.