Jack Finnie

Jack Finnie
Personal information
Full nameJohn William Finnie
Born1927
Died9 August 1994
Marrickville, New South Wales
Playing information
PositionWing
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1948 St. George 10 5 0 0 15
Source: [1]

John William 'Jack' Finnie (1927-1994) was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1940s.

Finnie was the son of the former 'hard punching' southpaw boxer and sometimes stand-over man John Joseph 'Jack' Finnie (1902-1968).[2] Jack Finnie joined the St. George Dragons in 1947. He was a fast winger that played 10 first grade games in 1948.

His career was cut short in a violent game against Eastern Suburbs at Hurstville Oval on 24 July 1948 that almost turned into a riot. East's forward Sid Hobson, kicked Finnie in the head and face and Finnie collapsed on the ground unconscious.[3][4] The Dragons Ball Boy Warren Saunders was so incensed after seeing the ugly incident, he threw the ball at Sid Hobson, hitting him between the shoulder blades.[5] Finnie did not play rugby league again after his severe injuries.[6]

Finnie died on 9 August 1994 at Marrickville, New South Wales. He is buried with his father and mother at Woronora Catholic Cemetery, Sutherland, New South Wales.[7]

References

  1. ^ "Jack Finnie - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
  2. ^ "Come out fighting". The Sun. No. 11, 935 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). New South Wales, Australia. 28 April 1948. p. 15. Retrieved 14 August 2025 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. ^ "Police guard East Rugby League players, referee". The Daily Telegraph. Vol. IX, no. 37. New South Wales, Australia. 25 July 1948. p. 23. Retrieved 14 August 2025 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. ^ "A Hostile Reception". The St George Call. Vol. XLIV, no. 31. New South Wales, Australia. 30 July 1948. p. 6. Retrieved 14 August 2025 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. ^ "FOOTBALL FLASHES". The St George Call. Vol. XLIV, no. 31. New South Wales, Australia. 30 July 1948. p. 7. Retrieved 14 August 2025 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. ^ Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players, 1995. ISBN 1875169571
  7. ^ Sydney Morning Herald. Death Notice (11/8/1994)