Rugby league community pays tribute to Queensland's first State of Origin coach, John McDonald
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The rugby league community is mourning after the passing of Queensland's first-ever State of Origin coach, John McDonald.
Affectionately known as ‘Cracker’, McDonald was 79 when he passed away in Middle Ridge, Toowoomba, on September 13.
An iconic figure across Australian rugby league, McDonald’s career in the sport began in the 1960s when he played for Valleys Toowoomba.
He represented Australia in 13 Tests from 1966 to 1970 and captained Manly Warringah in the 1970 grand final loss to South Sydney in the New South Wales competition.
But it was in coaching that McDonald made his biggest impact, guiding Queensland to a historic 20-10 win in 1980 in the first State of Origin series.
His passing was announced by Toowoomba Valleys Roosters RLFC on social media. They posted photographs of McDonald, writing, ‘John McDonald AM was a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him. His legacy will continue to inspire us all.’
Wally Lewis, who was selected to play as a lock in the 1980 Maroons team, remembered McDonald fondly.
'I still remember his opening words—“I haven't seen you play, but the selectors wouldn't have picked you up unless you could, so don't blow it”,' Lewis told a news source.
'He laughed, I laughed, and he was a very low-profile guy, he didn't like to put pressure on the players.'
Lewis described McDonald as ‘one of the quickest players playing on the wing and a remarkable finisher’.
‘We all talk about him as being the coach of that Origin team, but his own efforts and abilities were something quite extraordinary,’ he added.
After retiring from coaching in 1984, McDonald focused on administration. He chaired the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) for 20 years, from 1992 to 2012, and was an Australian Rugby League (ARL) chairman.
Toowoomba rugby league historian Steve Haddan referred to McDonald as a gentle operator.
‘He was good with people, and he was a very popular man,’ Haddan stated. ‘All we ever did was talk about how good “Cracker” McDonald was when we were kids growing up in Toowoomba.’
McDonald's son, Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald, paid tribute to his father's legacy on social media.
'My hero and a guiding figure for many,' he wrote.
Social media users also paid tribute to the iconic player. One commented: ‘My Dad always talked about the legend & spoke so highly of and whenever he ran into myself or [two] other brothers he always mentioned & remembered dad. He’s a great man and a legend of the game.’
‘Condolences to the McDonald family. John was a very generous and caring man who touched many, many lives. I feel privileged to have had connections with him through rugby league and TGS athletics,’ another person said.
‘Vale, John McDonald. A Toowoomba, rugby league and Queensland legend. Love and strength to his family and loved ones,’ a third person posted.
Members, it goes without saying that the loss of a great man like John McDonald is felt far and wide.
Our thoughts go out to all those who were lucky enough to know him. May he rest in peace.
Affectionately known as ‘Cracker’, McDonald was 79 when he passed away in Middle Ridge, Toowoomba, on September 13.
An iconic figure across Australian rugby league, McDonald’s career in the sport began in the 1960s when he played for Valleys Toowoomba.
John McDonald, Queensland's first State of Origin coach, passed away at 79. Credit: @Kieran2E, @McMuffinAndrew1/X (Twitter)
He represented Australia in 13 Tests from 1966 to 1970 and captained Manly Warringah in the 1970 grand final loss to South Sydney in the New South Wales competition.
But it was in coaching that McDonald made his biggest impact, guiding Queensland to a historic 20-10 win in 1980 in the first State of Origin series.
His passing was announced by Toowoomba Valleys Roosters RLFC on social media. They posted photographs of McDonald, writing, ‘John McDonald AM was a remarkable individual who dedicated his life to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him. His legacy will continue to inspire us all.’
Wally Lewis, who was selected to play as a lock in the 1980 Maroons team, remembered McDonald fondly.
'I still remember his opening words—“I haven't seen you play, but the selectors wouldn't have picked you up unless you could, so don't blow it”,' Lewis told a news source.
'He laughed, I laughed, and he was a very low-profile guy, he didn't like to put pressure on the players.'
Lewis described McDonald as ‘one of the quickest players playing on the wing and a remarkable finisher’.
‘We all talk about him as being the coach of that Origin team, but his own efforts and abilities were something quite extraordinary,’ he added.
After retiring from coaching in 1984, McDonald focused on administration. He chaired the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) for 20 years, from 1992 to 2012, and was an Australian Rugby League (ARL) chairman.
Toowoomba rugby league historian Steve Haddan referred to McDonald as a gentle operator.
‘He was good with people, and he was a very popular man,’ Haddan stated. ‘All we ever did was talk about how good “Cracker” McDonald was when we were kids growing up in Toowoomba.’
McDonald's son, Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald, paid tribute to his father's legacy on social media.
'My hero and a guiding figure for many,' he wrote.
Social media users also paid tribute to the iconic player. One commented: ‘My Dad always talked about the legend & spoke so highly of and whenever he ran into myself or [two] other brothers he always mentioned & remembered dad. He’s a great man and a legend of the game.’
‘Condolences to the McDonald family. John was a very generous and caring man who touched many, many lives. I feel privileged to have had connections with him through rugby league and TGS athletics,’ another person said.
‘Vale, John McDonald. A Toowoomba, rugby league and Queensland legend. Love and strength to his family and loved ones,’ a third person posted.
Members, it goes without saying that the loss of a great man like John McDonald is felt far and wide.
Our thoughts go out to all those who were lucky enough to know him. May he rest in peace.
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