Rex 'Moose' Mossop

Dual international forward brought a wealth of football experience to his career as an outspoken commentator. Rex 'The Moose' Mossop played the game in bull-like fashion and similarly, pulled no punches in his long and controversial career in the media. A product of the Manly RU club, he played in five RU Tests against NZ and England during 1949-51 before turning professional to play in England with Leigh. Mossop proved himself in the home of forward play, taking part in a Challenge Cup final and winning the 1952 premiership final. Exceedingly loyal, there was only ever one club Mossop was going to play for on his return to Australia. His six seasons with the Sea Eagles produced 9 Test appearances and he was named vice-captain on the 1959-60 Kangaroo tour. He played in two grand final losses against St George (1957 & 1959) and was sent off in the latter match after an ugly incident with St George forward Harry Bath. Mossop's final rep honour came with selection in the 1960 World Cup. After his retirement he fronted his own sports program on Channel 7 for over 20 years with 'Controversy Corner' becoming the staple diet of rugby league fans. Mossop was an original and his gift for tautology has passed into the Australian idiom. The colourful commentator left the station in 1986 for a highly controversial period with Channel 10 before his contract was cancelled in 1990. In 1993 he was enjoying an ‘Indian summer’ to his career with Channel 9 when he was again sacked. Not one to suffer fools gladly, cantankerous and forthright to the end, Mossop was given Life Membership to the NSWRL in December 1999. Autobiography, The Moose that Roared (1991).