William Bailey

Pioneer Newcastle winger Bill ‘Jerry’ Bailey set a number of records during the fledgling club’s two seasons in the NSWRL – most tries in a match (3t in 1909), most tries in a season (9t in 1909), most points in a match (13pts in 1909) and most tries with the club (18t). A member of the South Newcastle RU Club and a founding father of professional football in the Newcastle district (legend has it that Bailey produced a cigarette packet for rebel players to sign their names to play ‘professional rugby’ in April 1908) Bailey was rewarded with selection for NSW and the 1908–09 Kangaroos. A consistent try-scorer and capable goal-kicker, he scored three tries in three minor tour matches. Following the Newcastle ‘Rebels'’ exit from the Sydney premiership in 1909, Bailey helped form the South Newcastle Rugby League Club where he played until 1917. Later a president of the Newcastle JRL Bailey passed away in 1952.

Career Statistics

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