One of the best rugby league players in Australia during the 20th century was Lionel Morgan, an Indigenous man. In addition, he coached. The first Indigenous Australian to be chosen for a recognized rugby league Test match was Morgan. His primary position was the wing.
He was chosen for the French tour of Australia’s second and third Test matches in 1960. On his first international outing, he scored two tries. He participated in Australia’s lone World Cup match in 1960, which was played in Wigan once more against France. As the first Indigenous Australian to be chosen for a major national athletic team and represent Australia internationally, Morgan was chosen for the Test matches. He received Queensland’s Best Back honors in 1962.
Lionel Morgan: Australia’s first Indigenous rugby league player dies aged 85
Morgan, the first Indigenous player to play for Australia in rugby league, made his debut against France in 1960 and scored twice before taking part in two more Test matches there.
Between 1960 and 1963, the winger, who passed away on Saturday night in Brisbane, participated in 12 interstate games for Queensland versus NSW and scored 11 tries.