Bill Collier

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Bill Collier
Personal information
Full name Ernest Frederick Collier
Nickname Bill
Born (1921-06-27)27 June 1921
Kogarah, New South Wales
Died 20 October 2015(2015-10-20) (aged 94)
Kogarah, New South Wales
Playing information
Position Lock Forward
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1941–43 St George Dragons 28 2 0 0 6

Ernest Frederick 'Bill' Collier (27 June 1921 – 20 October 2015) was an Australian rugby league player of the 1940s.

Collier (back, 3rd from right) in St. George's 1941 premiership-winning squad.

Career[edit]

Born in Kogarah, New South Wales, 'Bill' Collier played three seasons with St George Dragons during the war years between 1941–1943. He was the last living squad member of the victorious Dragons 1941 premiership season and the losing 1942 Grand Final.[1] He played centre and lock-forward with St George during his time at the club.[2] He was a grandfather to 11 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to 14.[3]

War service[edit]

Collier's rugby league career was curtailed by World War II. He served in the Australian Army between 1942–1946, and saw active service in New Guinea and Borneo.

Death[edit]

It was announced that Bill Collier had died on 20 October 2015 after a long illness. [4]

Accolades[edit]

The Ashton-Collier Medal is awarded to the 'man of the match' in the annual St George Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters match that is played on every Anzac Day. The medal is named in honour of Billy Collier and Ferris Ashton.

References[edit]

  1. ^ http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/just-one-member-of-historic-saints-side-prestent-and-accounted-for/story-e6frexni-1226043491168
  2. ^ Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson – The Encyclopdeia of Rugby League Players. 1995 Edition, ISBN 9780732908164
  3. ^ The St George and Sutherald Shire Leader (article) "Glory days recalled by the Oldest Dragon.". by Brad Forrest 25/04/2013
  4. ^ http://www.nrl.com/vale-bill-collier/tabid/10874/newsid/90600/default.aspx