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4 unusual facts about Dally Messenger


Dally Messenger

The Courtney Goodwill Trophy, international rugby league's first trophy, was presented initially in 1936 and depicted Messenger, along with three other pioneering greats of the code, namely Jean Galia (France), Albert Baskiville (New Zealand) and James Lomas (Britain).

He was approached by a consortium that included Test cricketer, Victor Trumper with friend J. J. Giltinan, who knew getting Messenger on board would be a major boost for the new code.

Messenger also rejected an offer to play with English club, Warrington, during the Australian off-season that year.

James Messenger

A grandson, Herbert Henry, known as Dally Messenger, was a good cricketer, sailor, and a champion canoeist, but became best known as a Rugby League football player.


1912 Eastern Suburbs season

Eastern Suburbs 12 ( Frawley, P. White tries; Messenger, Frawley goals ) defeated Newtown 6 (Russell 3 goals ) at the Agricultural ground.

Eastern Suburbs 9 Campbell Try; D. Messenger 3 goals) defeated South Sydney 8 (Darmody 4 goals) at the Agricultural Ground.

Albert Henry Baskerville

The Courtney Goodwill Trophy, international rugby league′s first, was presented for the first time in 1936 and depicted Baskiville, along with other pioneering greats of the code, Jean Galia (France), James Lomas (England) and Dally Messenger (Australia).


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