Bill Shankland
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William ‘Bill’ Shankland (1907- 1998), born in NSW, Australia, was one of the great all-round sportsmen.
An accomplished swimmer, boxer and cricketer, Shankland played for the Glebe and Eastern Suburbs clubs in rugby league. While playing for Glebe in 1928, the 21 year old was selected to make his state debut, the following year, moving to the Eastern Suburbs club, Shankland was selected for the 1929/30 Kangaroo Tour. The winger played in all 4 test matches and was the leading try scorer on the tour with 24.
On tour, Shankland signed with English club Warrington, never returning to Australia.
The 'fleet of foot' wing-threequarter made 231 appearances for that club, scoring 74 tries and 70 goals. He lead Warrington in 2 Wembley cup finals, becoming the first Australian to do so, as well as captaining the side in 2 English premiership finals. The 1937 season saw him lead Warrington to victory over Barrow in the Lancashire cup final. The 1937 was his last in rugby league, his retirement allowed him to concentrate on his other sporting passion – golf.
In the years 1937 to 1955 Shankland appeared in every British Open, finishing third twice and runner up on one occasion. At Hoylake In 1947 he led with just 2 holes to play, only to land in a bunker, costing him any chance.
From golfing exhibitions, Bill raised almost a million pounds for charity.
Bill Shankland died of heart failure in 1998, aged 91.
[edit] References
- The Encyclopedia Of Rugby League Players; Alan Whiticker & Glen Hudson
- The Guardian (Warrington newspaper)
- The Independent (London newspaper)
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