George Clamback

Additional Notes

Born as James Henry Claude Ford but was known as George Henry Ford during his early life. His stepfather was Jacob Frederick Klienback later known as Frederick Clamback. The rugby league world knew him as George Henry Clamback, having informally used the surname of his stepfather. He was named in team lists as G. Clamback or G. H. Clamback, with a few mentions in newspapers as J. Clamback. Later in life, he reverted back to his birth name James on official records. In 1927, during Easts' round 17 match against Balmain, Clamback suffered a fractured lower jaw inflicted by a punch from an opponent. Balmain's Bill Maizey was charged with assault and the incident received considerable attention by the media. Witnesses were divided on whether it was in fact Maizey who threw the punch at Clamback, resulting in an acquittal by the jury. Clamback subsequently retired from playing to pursue refereeing. He was a first grade touch judge for several years, and later served as president of the Newtown club. Thanks to Max Turner for the researching this information.