Cec Blinkhorn

Superlative winger who, with teammate Harold Horder, was part of the most effective wing partnership Australian rugby league has seen. Blinkhorn was born in Abercrombie Street, in the heart of Rabbitohs territory, but became a Norths junior after moving to Chatswood as a child. Graded in 1914, the brilliant speedster was Norths’ leading try-scorer for five seasons before being lured to Souths where he teamed with Horder. In 1920 the pair ventured back to Norths (Blinkhorn’ contract was reportedly £20 and a new suit!). Blinkhorn was a member of great Norths teams that won the City Cup (1920) and consecutive premierships (1921-22). In 1920 he scored a club record five tries in a match against Annandale. Chosen on the 1921-22 Kangaroo Tour Blinkhorn scored a record 39 tries in 29 matches, which included three Test appearances against England. He left Norths to return to Souths with Horder in 1924, signalling the end of Norths' short reign as champion club. Blinkhorn played his final Test match against England in 1924 before announcing his retirement. The champion winger passed away at age 86 in 1978.