Merv Gillmer

Merv Gillmer
Personal information
Full nameMervyn James Gillmer
Born(1924-05-16)16 May 1924
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Died30 October 2016(2016-10-30) (aged 92)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
PositionFullback, Centre, Wing
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1947–49 Manly-Warringah 21 2 38 0 82
Source: [1]
As of 27 March 2019

Merv Gillmer (1924-2016) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1940s. He played for Manly-Warringah in the NSWRL competition. Gillmer was a foundation player for Manly-Warringah featuring in the club's first season and first game.

Background

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Gillmer grew up in Newtown and played with the local Brookvale rugby league club before serving in the Australian Army for 2 years during World War II.

Playing career

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Gillmer played in Manly's first ever game on April 12, 1947, against Western Suburbs at Brookvale Oval. Manly lost the game 15-13 even though Manly had scored more tries than Wests. Gillmer is credited with kicking the first goals for the club.[2]

Manly would go on to finish second last on the table above Parramatta during their inaugural year avoiding the wooden spoon by 2 competition points. In 1948, Gillmer finished as the club's top point scorer as Manly finished second last again avoiding the wooden spoon by a single competition point. Gillmer retired at the end of the 1949 season.[3][4][5][6][7]

References

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  1. ^ "Merv Gillmer - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". Rugbyleagueproject.org.
  2. ^ Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. Alan Whiticker ISBN 9780732908164
  3. ^ "Merv Gillmer".
  4. ^ "Origins of Manly Warringah". soaringseaeagles.
  5. ^ "An incredible journey from 1947 to today". www.seaeagles.com.au.
  6. ^ "Sea Eagles meet pioneer who played in the club's first team". www.dailytelegraph.com.au.
  7. ^ "Visit to a true Manly Warringah Pioneer – Mervyn Gillmer". men of league.