Legendary NRL ‘trailblazer’ Lionel Morgan passes away at 85
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It is with great sadness that we report this news: legendary National Rugby League (NRL) icon Lionel Morgan has passed away at age 85.
The former player, coach, and trailblazer was the first-ever Indigenous player to represent Australia in rugby league history, having scored a stunning double on his international debut against France in 1960.
He went on to play in two further Tests against the nation.
Morgan—who passed away on Saturday night in Brisbane—also played 12 interstate matches for Queensland between 1960 and 1963 and sealed an incredible 11 tries in them alone. He was named Queensland’s best back after the 1962 season.
To commemorate his achievements, he was then selected as a part of the Australian Indigenous Rugby League Team of the Century in 2008.
In honour of the late sportsman, a minute’s silence was observed before the Queensland Cup Grand Final on Sunday, 28th June, and also for the Maroons’ inaugural coach, John McDonald, who sadly passed away last Wednesday.
Lionel’s son, Earl Morgan, shared in an interview in May that his father was diagnosed with dementia.
Earl also mentioned that his dad had worn the green and gold five years before Indigenous people were even allowed to vote in their home state.
‘Dad wasn't allowed to get a passport to go to England, so it had to be arranged for him,’ his son said.
‘Dad's message to young Indigenous kids was clear—no one will give you anything, but if you give hard work, then someone will take you on board and give you an opportunity, and that's what he did,’ Earl added.
‘He achieved his dream.’
Speaking of Morgan’s passing, Australian Rugby League (ARL) Commission Chairman Peter V’landys said in an official statement:
‘Lionel Morgan was a trailblazer. The Australian Rugby League Commission and everyone across the game will be very saddened by Lionel’s passing, but his legacy will remain forever. He was and always will be an inspiration to many of our players.'
The Wynnum Manly Seagulls expressed their grief on a social media post, writing: ‘Rugby League icon, and Seagulls legend, Lionel Morgan has passed away aged 85.’
‘Lionel played 106 games for the Seagulls between 1959-68 and is well known as the first Indigenous player to represent Australia in any major sporting code,’ the caption read.
Tributes also poured from fans, friends, and people who were coached by the sportsman. One person commented: ‘My coach in the 70's, a very nice person.’
‘A true gentleman of the sport and a very talented player. Lionel taught me how to sidestep when I was a youngster, and I was forever grateful that he taught me this skill. RIP Lionel, and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,’ another person wrote.
‘All the indigenous players today owe a huge debt to Lionel and the barriers he broke down,’ a third person posted.
‘RIP Lionel Morgan—your time with us has come to a close. However, you will never be forgotten,’ a fourth person stated.
We would like to take this time to pass on our deepest and most sincere condolences to Lionel’s family, friends, and former club and fans. He will be remembered in the history books and in our hearts forever.
The former player, coach, and trailblazer was the first-ever Indigenous player to represent Australia in rugby league history, having scored a stunning double on his international debut against France in 1960.
He went on to play in two further Tests against the nation.
Lionel Morgan, an NRL trailblazer, passed away at 85. Credit: @codenrl/X (Twitter)
Morgan—who passed away on Saturday night in Brisbane—also played 12 interstate matches for Queensland between 1960 and 1963 and sealed an incredible 11 tries in them alone. He was named Queensland’s best back after the 1962 season.
To commemorate his achievements, he was then selected as a part of the Australian Indigenous Rugby League Team of the Century in 2008.
In honour of the late sportsman, a minute’s silence was observed before the Queensland Cup Grand Final on Sunday, 28th June, and also for the Maroons’ inaugural coach, John McDonald, who sadly passed away last Wednesday.
Lionel’s son, Earl Morgan, shared in an interview in May that his father was diagnosed with dementia.
Earl also mentioned that his dad had worn the green and gold five years before Indigenous people were even allowed to vote in their home state.
‘Dad wasn't allowed to get a passport to go to England, so it had to be arranged for him,’ his son said.
‘Dad's message to young Indigenous kids was clear—no one will give you anything, but if you give hard work, then someone will take you on board and give you an opportunity, and that's what he did,’ Earl added.
‘He achieved his dream.’
Speaking of Morgan’s passing, Australian Rugby League (ARL) Commission Chairman Peter V’landys said in an official statement:
‘Lionel Morgan was a trailblazer. The Australian Rugby League Commission and everyone across the game will be very saddened by Lionel’s passing, but his legacy will remain forever. He was and always will be an inspiration to many of our players.'
The Wynnum Manly Seagulls expressed their grief on a social media post, writing: ‘Rugby League icon, and Seagulls legend, Lionel Morgan has passed away aged 85.’
‘Lionel played 106 games for the Seagulls between 1959-68 and is well known as the first Indigenous player to represent Australia in any major sporting code,’ the caption read.
Tributes also poured from fans, friends, and people who were coached by the sportsman. One person commented: ‘My coach in the 70's, a very nice person.’
‘A true gentleman of the sport and a very talented player. Lionel taught me how to sidestep when I was a youngster, and I was forever grateful that he taught me this skill. RIP Lionel, and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,’ another person wrote.
‘All the indigenous players today owe a huge debt to Lionel and the barriers he broke down,’ a third person posted.
‘RIP Lionel Morgan—your time with us has come to a close. However, you will never be forgotten,’ a fourth person stated.
We would like to take this time to pass on our deepest and most sincere condolences to Lionel’s family, friends, and former club and fans. He will be remembered in the history books and in our hearts forever.
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