Bill Farnsworth

Newtown RU five-eighth was invited to be one of the original rebels who played against the NZ 'All Golds' in 1907 but refused and remained an amateur for two more years. Bill Farnsworth finally made the move to the professional code in 1909 but injury prevented him from being a guest player for the Wallabies against the Kangaroos (his replacement was his brother Viv). Joining Newtown, he made his Test debut against England in 1910 before touring with his brother Viv on the 1911-12 Kangaroo tour. Bill Farnsworth teamed brilliantly with legendary halfback Chris McKivat to secure the Ashes in the final two Tests but did not represent again. In 1912 he left Sydney for Brisbane and represented Queensland in two matches. In 1913, he joined his brother Viv at English club Oldham and when World War One broke out, enlisted for active duty. Coach of Newtown in 1924, he also became the first player to represent NSW in union, league and cricket. The great-uncle of Parramatta Chief Executive Denis Fitzgerald, Bill Farnsworth died in 1966.