Billy Cann

Former RU three-quarter with Souths, Bill Cann was a member of the rebel NSW side that played the NZ ‘All Golds’ in 1907. Cann went on to become both an innovative player and long-serving administrator with Souths. A pioneer of lock forward play, he was also elected as the club's first committeeman in 1908 as well as Souths’ delegate to the NSWRL. Cann’s creativity in ‘loose’ play shaped the role of the lock in the professional code and he combined brilliantly with his backline. He took part in Australia’s inaugural Test series, against NZ in 1908, and was a member of the 1908-09 Kangaroos (8 matches, no Tests) and the 1911-12 ‘Australasian’ Kangaroos (18 matches, 3 Tests). Cann also played against NZ (1909) and England (1914) during his international career and although he missed Souths’ first premiership final because he was on tour, he later played an important part in the club’s title wins in 1909 and 1914. Following his retirement Cann was co-manager of the 1921-22 Kangaroos with Souths secretary George Ball - the only time that officials from the same club have been in charge of a touring team. Cann was later a Vice-President of the NSWRL during the 1950s.

Playing Career Statistics

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