Reginald Douglas Fusedale (1890-1990) was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the 1910s and 1920s. He was also a successful sports administrator.

Reg Fusedale
Personal information
Full nameReginald Douglas Fusedale
Born(1890-12-16)16 December 1890
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Died8 August 1990(1990-08-08) (aged 99)
Arncliffe, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
PositionCentre
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1919–20 South Sydney 12 5 2 0 19
1921–22 St. George 16 0 7 0 14
Total 28 5 9 0 33
Source: [1]

Sporting career

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Born Douglas Reginald Fusedale[2] to Harry and Marion Fusedale in Sydney in December 1890, Reg Fusedale's rugby league career started at South Sydney, where he played two seasons in 1919–1920. He then moved to the St. George District and played two seasons at St. George between 1921 and 1922, and played in the club's first game on 23 April 1921.[3] He was also a noted cricketer and played against the legendary Victor Trumper, scoring a century in same match that Trumper did at Chatswood Oval in 1913.[4]

 
Reg Fusedale. St.George first grade 1921, age 30

Administrative career

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St.George 1921 foundation. Fusedale centre of 3rd row

In 1922, he became the St. George second club secretary, serving in that capacity from 1922 to 1938. He was awarded Life Membership of St. George in 1938, Life Membership of the NSWRFL in 1942[5] and also the N.S.W. Leagues Club, Phillip Street.[6]

In 1923, The Rugby League News quoted, "As a sport organizer, Reg Fusedale stands second to none."[7]

Death

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Reg Fusedale lived an extraordinarily long life, and died in his 100th year on 8 August 1990 at the Macquarie Lodge Nursing Home.[8]

References

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  1. ^ Rugby League Project
  2. ^ NSW Birth Certificate No.24/1891 (Douglas R. Fusdale)
  3. ^ Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players (2005) ISBN 9780732908164
  4. ^ Sydney Times (Sydney) 23 November 1913 "Trumpers Great Innings"
  5. ^ Sydney Morning Herald 15 December 1942 (page 7) "Life Member Elected - Mr. R. Fusedale"
  6. ^ "South Sydney Rabbitohs Rugby League Player Report - Reg Fusedale". www.ssralmanac.com.
  7. ^ Ian Heads, "March of the Dragons", page 29 (Reg Fusedale - Mr. St George). (1989) ISBN 0949853208
  8. ^ Sydney Morning Herald - death notice 10 August 1990