Albert McGuinness

Albert McGuinness
Personal information
Full nameAlbert McGuinness
Playing information
PositionHalfback, Five-eighth
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1933–43 Western Suburbs 98 25 17 0 109
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1941 New South Wales 3 0 6 0 12
1941 NSW City 1 0 0 0 0
Coaching information
Club
Years Team Gms W D L W%
1942 Western Suburbs 14 2 0 12 14
Source: [1]
As of 4 July 2019

Albert McGuinness nicknamed "Podgy" was an Australian professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1930s and 1940s. He played for Western Suburbs in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition.

Playing career

[edit]

McGuinness made his first grade debut for Western Suburbs against North Sydney in Round 11 1933 at North Sydney Oval. Western Suburbs would go on to finish the 1933 season in last place on the table. In 1934, Western Suburbs had a complete form reversal as they finished minor premiers and the premiership defeating Eastern Suburbs in the grand final. McGuinness was overlooked for selection in the decider.

The change in form was attributed to the fact that Western Suburbs lost players such as Frank McMillan and Alan Ridley who were away on tour with the Australian team when the club finished last but returned for the start of the 1934 season. As of the 2023 NRL season, no club has gone from wooden spooners to premiers the following season since Western Suburbs achieved this feat.

After the premiership victory in 1934, Western Suburbs went through a period of decline and finished last in 1940, 1942 and 1943. McGuinness became a regular member of the team during this time and was selected to play for New South Wales and New South Wales City in 1941. In 1942, McGuinness captain-coached Western Suburbs with limited success.[2][3][4]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Albert McGuinness - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  2. ^ Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. (1995 edition) ISBN 1875169571
  3. ^ "Western Suburbs Magpies First Grade Players". Wests Magpies.
  4. ^ Barrett, Chris (21 September 2010). "The wooden spoon to premier gold? Roosters run recalls league history". The Sydney Morning Herald.
Sporting positions
Preceded by Coach

Western Suburbs

1942
Succeeded by