Wikipedia

1953 American All Stars tour of Australia and New Zealand

The 1953 American All Stars rugby league tour of Australia and New Zealand was a tour by a group of twenty men who had not previously played the sport of Rugby League. Most of the team were current or former College Gridiron footballers with Stanford University, the University of California, Los Angeles, or the University of Southern California. Some of the party had played rugby union at their colleges, during gridiron off-seasons.[1]

1953 American All Stars tour of Australia and New Zealand
ManagerMike Dimitro
Coach(es)Norm (Latchem) Robinson
in Australia
Frank Mulcare &
Travers Hardwick
in New Zealand
Tour captain(s)Various
Top point scorer(s)Gary Kerkorian 173
Top try scorer(s)Alvin E. Kirkland 14
Summary
P W D L
Total
26 06 02 18
Tour chronology
Previous tour1952 by to
1953 by to
Next tour1953-54 by to
1954 by to

Summary edit

The tour was instigated by player-manager Mike Dimitro, who claimed to have witnessed a game of rugby league in Sydney whilst serving in the Pacific during World War II. Dimitro had played for UCLA and was a high school teacher in Los Angeles in the lead up to the tour. Dimitro wrote to the Australian Rugby League Board of Control in February 1952. Several of the League's administrators were fervent promoters of their sport, and some were keen to take the game to the United States, so Dimitro's suggestion was favourably received. Another factor was the success of France's inaugural tour in 1951. Harold Matthews responded on behalf of the board in April 1952.[1]

Apprised of the proposed tour, the New Zealand Rugby League were also interested, and their Secretary, J.E. Knowling, was able to meet with Mike Dimitro in Los Angeles.[1]

Although arrangements in California did not run smoothly, with reassurances sought by the host nation boards, eighteen players arrived in Sydney on May 18, 1953.[2] A further two players arrived on June 1.

The appointed coach, Norm “Latchem” Robinson, had less than a fortnight to educate the players. A touch-football game against South Sydney and a tackle match against a team of Army Engineers were used in preparations.[3][4]

Remarkably, the American All Stars won their first match on the scheduled tour, beating a combined Monaro and Southern Districts side. The next two scheduled fixtures were against Sydney and New South Wales, and the Americans were understandably outclassed. The wisdom of setting novices against experienced semi-professionals so early in the tour was questioned at the time. The matches did, however, attract large crowds 65,453 on a Saturday against Sydney, and 32,554 on a Tuesday against New South Wales. There was consensus in the press that the host teams did take it easy on the visitors.

The tour progressed with matches in regional and country New South Wales, and then into Queensland. The Australian board had recommended that 28 players would be necessary given the two matches per week schedule, and injuries had an impact on the twenty-man squad. This led to the informal use of “ring-ins” in matches at Ipswich and Wagga, and formally in a return match against New South Wales on July 25, and throughout the New Zealand leg.

Through the tour the American players were commended for their excellent ball handling and robust tackling. The running ability of many, particularly the backs was praised. Referees showed leniency to a lack of understanding of offside rules in early matches. A slowness in comprehending and implementing cover defence was a common concern in reports on later matches.

A curiosity to local spectators and the press at the time was the All Stars' practice of warming up on the field with calisthenics, or “physical jerks”.[1] Although this innovation did not immediately catch on, National Rugby League teams have utilised on field warm-ups since the 1990s.

A highlight for spectators was the American's use of the pitch-pass, with exhibitions given prior to most matches. In play, league rules against forward passing meant the pitch was restricted to lateral or backwards movement. Although a few pitch passes did lead to an All Stars try, usually the arc allowed defenders time to immediately tackle the receiver, or intercept.

A sad development of the tour was that Jack Bonetti contracted Polio. This was diagnosed after he entered hospital in Townsville, having exhibited pain after the match in Cairns.[1][5]

Touring Squad edit

Player Pos. Age Weight Height College(s) Games
in
Aus 		Games
in
NZ 		Tries Goals Field
Goals 		Points
  Al Abajian Five-eighth 25 13.3 (84) 5.8   USC 15 8 0 0 24
  Bill Albans Wing 25 13.8 (86) 6.4   North Carolina 13 0 5 0 0 15
  Jack Bonetti Second-row 22 15.1 (96) 6.1   Stanford 9 0 7 0 0 21
  Bob Buckley Centre 20 13.8 (86) 5.1   USC 12 0 4 0 0 12
  Ed Demirjian Wing 22 13.3 (84) 5.1   USC 6 2 0 0 6
  Mike Dimitro Second-row 28 15.1 (96) 5.1   UCLA   USC 11 3 0 0 9
  Steve Drakulvich Prop 28 15.13 (101) 6.3   UCLA 9 1 0 0 3
  Ted Grossman Halfback 23 12.7 (79) 5.1   Pacific 16 7 0 0 21
  Harold Han Centre 20 13.8 (86) 5.9   USC 12 0 7 0 0 21
  Pat Henry Second-row 24 14.9 (93) 5.11   Stanford 11 1 0 0 3
  Vince Jones Prop 23 14.9 (93) 5.11   Dartmouth   Stanford 16 3 0 0 9
  George Kauffman Fullback 26 14.0 (89) 6   UCLA 14 1 7 2 21
  Gary Kerkorian Wing 23 13.3 (84) 6   Stanford 17 0 5 79 0 173
  Al D. Kirkland Lock 23 15.5 (98) 6.3   USC   Stanford 16 12 1 0 38
  Alvin E. Kirkland Centre 22 13.3 (84) 5.1   USC   Stanford 16 14 0 0 42
  Fran Mandulay Second-row 24 15.0 (95) 6   Nebraska   UCLA 15 1 0 0 3
  Xavier Mena Prop 24 16.1 (102) 6.1   UCLA 6 2 0 0 6
  Sol Naumu Five-eighth 23 14.0 (89) 5.11   UCLA   USC 14 1 8 0 19
  Ray Terry Prop 29 16.3 (103) 6.2   Alabama 1 0 0 0 0
  Sydney Walker Hooker 21 15.0 (95) 5.8   UCLA 10 1 0 0 3

Note: The tally of games in Australia, tries and goals collated from newspaper articles, as referenced below. In a few instances newspaper accounts differ. Some match reports do not mention all participants. A concession was made to allow the Americans to use substitutes in the event of first half injuries. This was unusual for the time. Normally no replacements were permitted.

Four Queenslanders — Harold Crocker, Brian Davies, Alan Hornery and Ken McCaffery — played for the American All Stars in the July 25 match against New South Wales.

Five of the tourists returned to the United States at the conclusion of the Australian leg.[6] By arrangement with the New Zealand Rugby League, they were replaced by four, later five, New Zealanders: Travers Hardwick and Frank Mulcare who took on coaching duties, and also Des Barchard, Roy Moore and Roy Roff.

Australian leg edit

May 27 Monaro-Southern Division   25–34   America Manuka Oval, Canberra
3pm
 Tries: 5
Roy Freebody (2)
Bill Beazley
Greg Watts
Ron Bercene
Goals: 5
Bill Beazley (5) 		Teams[7][8]
Report[9][10]
Report[11][12] 		Tries: 8
Alvin Kirkland (4)
Al D. Kirkland (2)
Al Abajian
Jack Bonetti
Goals: 5
Gary Kerkorian (5)
Attendance: 4,877
Gate: AU£ 965
Referee: Jack O'Brien
Team list:

Monaco-Southern Division FB: Bill Beazley (  Wollongong), WG: Greg Watts (Pyree), CE: Roy Freebody (  Captain's Flat), CE: Jack Seamer (  Port Kembla), WG: P. Ryan (  Bombala), FE: Keith Sullivan (  Goulburn), HB: Ron Bercene (  Bombala), LK: Bob Smith (  Port Kembla), SR: Angus Miller (  Berry), SR: Col Yarham (  Mittagong), PR: Billy Hodges (  Captain's Flat), HK: R. Stewart (Bega), PR: Bruce Edwards (  Robertson).
J. Southwell (  Canberra) played. He may have replaced Yarham prior to kick-off. Col Williamson (  Goulburn) was named as a reserve, but likely did not play as he was not mentioned in match reports.
The following were initially selected but did not play: Robert Bartlett (  Wollongong), Jack Plater (  Yass) and Harry Wells (  Wollongong).
American All Stars: FB: George Kauffman, WG: Bill Albans, CE: Ed Demirjian, CE: Gary Kerkorian, WG: Alvin E. Kirkland, FE: Sol Naumu, HB: Ted Grossman, LK: Pat Henry, SR: Vince Jones, SR: Al D. Kirkland, SR: Fran Mandulay, HK: Sydney Walker, LK: Jack Bonetti. Al Abajian replaced Bill Albans.

May 30 Sydney   52–25   America Sydney Cricket Ground
3pm
 Tries: 10
Noel Pidding (4)
Ken Kearney (2)
Keith Holman
Ron Taylor
Ben Haslam
Lloyd Hudson
Goals: 11
Noel Pidding (11) 		Program
Report[13][14]
Report[15] 		Tries: 3
Sydney Walker
Alvin Kirkland
Sol Naumu
Goals: 8
Gary Kerkorian (8)
Attendance: 65,453
Gate: AU£ 8,744
Referee: Jack O'Brien
Team list:

Sydney: FB: Clive Churchill (26) (  Souths), WG: Noel Pidding (26) (  St George), CE: George Martin (20) (  Norths), CE: Ron Taylor (21) (  Easts), WG: Barry Stenhouse (19) (  Canterbury), FE: Bob Sullivan (22) (  Norths), HB: Keith Holman (25) (  Wests), LK: Les Cowie (28) (  Souths), SR: Arthur Collinson (23) (  Wests), SR: Ben Haslam (24) (  Norths), PR: Roy Bull (23) (  Manly), HK: Ken Kearney (27) (  St George), PR: Lloyd Hudson (25) (  Norths).
The following were selected as reserves but did not play: Ken Slattery (20) (  Parramatta) and Johnny Slade (25) (  Parramatta).
American All Stars: FB: George Kauffman, WG: Bill Albans, CE: Alvin E. Kirkland, CE: Sol Naumu, WG: Ed Demirjian, FE: Gary Kerkorian, HB: Ted Grossman, LK: Jack Bonetti, SR: Al D. Kirkland, SR: Fran Mandulay, PR: Vince Jones, HK: Sydney Walker, PR: Pat Henry.

June 2 New South Wales   62–41   America Sydney Cricket Ground
2.30pm
 Tries: 14
Tommy Ryan (6)
Noel Pidding (2)
Ken Kearney (2)
Don Schofield
Harry Wells
Keith Holman
Ken Slattery
Goals: 10
Noel Pidding (10) 		Program
Report[16] 		Tries: 9
Alvin Kirkland (3)
Al D. Kirkland (2)
Harold Han
Jack Bonetti
Ed Demirjian
Bob Buckley
Goals: 7
Gary Kerkorian (7)
Attendance: 32,554
Gate: AU£ 3,533
Referee: Jack O'Brien
Team list:

New South Wales: FB: Clive Churchill (26) (  Souths), WG: Noel Pidding (26) (  St George), CE: Robert Bartlett (26) (  Wollongong), CE: Harry Wells (21) (  Wollongong), WG: Tommy Ryan (  St George), FE: Rees Duncan (21) (  Kurri Kurri), HB: Keith Holman (25) (  Wests), LK: Ken Slattery (25) (  Parramatta), SR: Don Schofield (22) (  Cessnock), SR: Albert Paul (25) (  Lakes United), PR: Charlie Gill (30) (  Newcastle Northern Suburbs), HK: Ken Kearney (27) (  St George), PR: Roy Bull (23) (  Manly).
Brian Carlson (20) (  Newcastle Northern Suburbs) was initially selected but withdrew. Arthur Collinson (23) (  Wests) and Johnny Slade (20) (  Parramatta) were selected as reserves but did not play.
American All Stars: FB: Sol Naumu, WG: Bob Buckley, CE: Alvin E. Kirkland, CE: Harold Han, WG: Ed Demirjian, FE: Gary Kerkorian, HB: Ted Grossman, LK: Jack Bonetti, SR: Al D. Kirkland, SR: Mike Dimitro, PR: Fran Mandulay, HK: Pat Henry, PR: Vince Jones.

June 7 Combined Country   35–9   America Wollongong Showground
Tries: 7
Darcy Russell
Ron Battye
Don Schofield
Jack Lumsden
Robert Bartlett
Charlie Gill
Ernie Hammerton
Goals: 7
Darcy Russell (7) 		Team[17][18]
Report[19][20]
Report[21] 		Tries: 1
Jack Bonetti
Goals: 3
Gary Kerkorian (3)
Attendance: 11,787
Gate: AU£ 1,627
Referee: Darcy Lawler
Team list:

Combined Country: FB: Darcy Russell (  Waratah Mayfield), WG: Brian Carlson (  Norths), CE: Harry Wells (  Wollongong), CE: Robert Bartlett (  Wollongong), WG: Jack Lumsden (  Coonabarabran), FE: Rees Duncan (  Kurri), HB: Noel Hill (  Maitland), LK: Ron Battye (  Gundagai), SR: Don Schofield (  Cessnock), SR: Albert Paul (  Lakes United), PR: Charlie Gill (  Norths), HK: Ernie Hammerton (Boorowa), PR: Bryan Orrock (Boorowa), Coach: Ray Stehr
The following were named as reserves but are not mentioned (as playing) in match reports: Guy Brazier (Dorrigo), Jack Seamer (  Port Kembla) and Bob Smith (  Port Kembla)
American All Stars: Al Abajian, Bill Albans, Jack Bonetti, Ted Grossman, Vince Jones, George Kauffman, Gary Kerkorian, Al D. Kirkland, Xavier Mena and Sydney Walker were mentioned in match reports, with one report mentioning that Pat Henry took the field as a replacement.

June 10 Western Division   24–21   America Victoria Park, Dubbo
3pm
 Tries: 6
Jack Grant
Bruce Cohen
Cec Edwards
Leo Nosworthy
Peter Burns
Jack Lumsden
Goals: 3
Jack Lumsden (3) 		Team[22][23]
Report[24][25]
Report[26][27] 		Tries: 3
Jack Bonetti
Gary Kerkorian
Pat Henry
Goals: 6
Gary Kerkorian (6)
Attendance: 4,717
Gate: AU£ 1,186
Referee: Darcy Lawler
Team list:

Western Districts: FB: Gordon Head (  Baradine), WG: Bruce Cohen (  Wellington), CE: Brian Condon (  Mudgee), CE: Jack Grant (  Brewarrina), WG: Jack Lumsden (  Coonabarabran), FE: Peter Burns (  Bathurst Railway), HB: Cec Edwards (Trangie), LK: Leo Nosworthy (  Narromine), SR: Jock Weir (  Narromine), SR: Noel Flynn (  Lithgow Arms Factory), PR: Bertie Simpson (  Lithgow Arms Factory), HK: Barry Green (  Mudgee), PR: N. Towett (Trangie), Coach: Frank Bell (  Lithgow Arms Factory).
Brian (Blondie) Bolton (Dubbo) and Vin Corish (  Dunedoo) were named as reserves and took the field for the second half.
The following were initially selected but withdrew: Eric Dodd (Dubbo), Norman McKnight (  Forbes), B. Runsford (Lithgow).
American All Stars: FB: Sol Naumu, WG: Bob Buckley, CE: Harold Han, CE: Gary Kerkorian, WG: Ed Demirjian, FE: Ted Grossman, HB: Al Abajian, LK: Jack Bonetti, SR: Pat Henry, SR: Fran Mandulay, PR: Steve Drakulvich, HK: Sydney Walker, PR: Xavier Mena.
Vince Jones and George Kauffman took the field as replacements for injured players Drakulvich and Mena. The Dubbo Liberal match reports mentioned Ray Terry as being tackled into touch.

June 13 Newcastle   10–19   America Newcastle Sports Ground
Tries: 2
Bill Shanks
Brian Pead
Goals: 2
Darcy Russell (2) 		Teams[28][29]
Report[30][31]
Report[32][33] 		Tries: 3
Harold Han (2)
Gary Kerkorian
Goals: 5
Gary Kerkorian (5)
Attendance: 14,160
Gate: AU£ 2,136
Referee: Aub Oxford
Team list:

Newcastle: FB: Darcy Russell (  Waratah Mayfield), WG: Bill Shanks (  Waratah Mayfield), CE: Bill Smith (  Waratah Mayfield), CE: Brian Pead (  Centrals), WG: Lester Batey (  Cessnock), FE: Warren Foley (  Waratah Mayfield), HB: Noel Hill (  Maitland), LK: Barry Levido (  Cessnock), SR: Gordon Harley (  Maitland), SR: Henry Holloway (  Waratah Mayfield), PR: Doug Hawke (  Norths), HK: Kevin McKiernan (  Maitland), PR: Herb Pearson (  Kurri).
Billy Roberts (  Kurri) and Tom Anderson (  Norths) were named as reserves.
American All Stars: FB: Sol Naumu, WG: Alvin E. Kirkland, CE: Harold Han, CE: Bob Buckley, WG: Ed Demirjian, FE: Gary Kerkorian, HB: Ted Grossman, LK: Jack Bonetti, SR: Al D. Kirkland, SR: Mike Dimitro, PR: Fran Mandulay, HK: Vince Jones, PR: Pat Henry.
George Kauffman and Al Abajian were named as reserves and the latter is mentioned as playing in a match report.

June 17 Northern NSW   26–18   America Brelsford Park, Coffs Harbour
Tries: 6
Lyle McKay (3)
Jim Ruge (2)
Ken O'Reilly
Goals: 4
Bob Hillier (4) 		Team[34][35]
Report[36][37]
Report[38][39] 		Tries: 4
Bob Buckley
Al Abajian
Ed Demirjian
Jack Bonetti
Goals: 3
Gary Kerkorian (3)
Attendance: 5,400
Gate: AU£ 707
Referee: Aub Oxford
June 20 Queensland   39–36   America Brisbane Cricket Ground
3pm
 Tries: 9
Bob Buckley (4)
Kel O'Shea (2)
Neil Teys
Athol Smith
Tom Tyquin
Goals: 6
Norm Pope (6) 		Teams[40][41]
Report[42][43] 		Tries: 6
Vince Jones (2)
Al D. Kirkland
Ted Grossman
George Kauffman
Jack Bonetti
Goals: 9
Gary Kerkorian (9)
Attendance: 24,397
Gate: AU£ 3,983
Referee: Frank Ballard
June 24 Far North Queensland 17–17   America Parramatta Park, Cairns
Tries: 3
Gordon Farrelly (2)
Roy Greenwood
Goals: 4
Gordon Farrelly (4) 		Teams[44][45]
Report[46]
Result[47] 		Tries: 3
Bill Albans
Jack Bonetti
Al D. Kirkland
Goals: 4
George Kauffman (3)
Field Goals: 1
George Kauffman
Attendance: 6,042
Gate: AU£ 1,202
Referee: V. Renton
June 28 North Queensland   38–17   America Townsville Sports Reserve
Tries: 8
Jack Fifield (2)
Kel O'Shea (2)
P. Farrell
Max Short
Keith Martin
Trevor Whitehead
Goals: 7
R. Quinn (7) 		Team[45]
Report[48]
Photo[49] 		Tries: 3
Ted Grossman (2)
Harold Han
Goals: 4
Gary Kerkorian (4)
Attendance: 7,898
Gate: AU£ 1,552
Referee: R. Allison
July 1 Central West Queensland 26–21   America Longreach
Tries: 6
McDonald (4)
Lionel Wheatley
Norris
Goals: 4
Linde (4)
Report[50]
Result[51] 		Tries: 5
Alvin Kirkland
Al D. Kirkland
Harold Han
Xavier Mena
Al Abajian
Goals: 3
Gary Kerkorian (3)
Attendance: 1,635
Gate: AU£ 400
Referee: Maquire
July 5 Central Queensland   33–26   America Murray Street Grounds, Rockhampton
Tries: 9
Peter Robinson (4)
W. Liddell (2)
P. Sear (2)
W. Clarke
Goals: 3
Ray Thomas (2)
W. Liddell 		Report[52][53] Tries: 6
Steve Drakulvich
Ted Grossman
Al Abajian
Gary Kerkorian
Mike Dimitro
Harold Han
Goals: 4
George Kauffman (2)
Al D. Kirkland
Gary Kerkorian
Attendance: 5,332
Gate: AU£ 1,154
Referee: H. Gilbert
July 7 Brisbane   39–26   America Brisbane Cricket Ground
Tries: 9
George Hayes (3)
. Mundt (2)
Len Blaik (2)
Tom Tyquin
Jack Veivers
Goals: 6
Norm Pope (6) 		Team[54]
Report[55] 		Tries: 4
Al D. Kirkland
Harold Han
Al Abajian
Fran Mandulay
Goals: 7
Gary Kerkorian (7)
Attendance: 7,000
Gate: AU£ 1,050
Referee: Vic Lynagh
July 15 Toowoomba   29–15   America Toowoomba
Tries: 7
M. Higgins (3)
Russ Brown (2)
D. McMurtrie
. Connolly
Goals: 4
M. Higgins (3)
Cyril Connell Jr
Report[56][57] 		Tries: 3
Bill Albans
Al Abajian
Xavier Mena
Goals: 3
Gary Kerkorian (3)
Attendance: 5,778
Gate: AU£ 893
Referee: Vic Vercoe
July 18 Ipswich   15–16   America North Ipswich Reserve
Tries: 3
Jim Pegg (2)
Gary Parcell
Goals: 3
Errol Meteyard (3)
Report[58]
Report[59] 		Tries: 4
Bill Albans
Gary Kerkorian
Alvin Kirkland
Al Abajian
Goals: 2
Gary Kerkorian (2)
Attendance: 3,155
Gate: AU£ 645
Referee: Les McMahon
July 19 Wide Bay   33–33   America Maryborough Showground
Tries: 7
D. Nixon (2)
K. Drysdale
K. Hutchins
A. Anderson
F. Heidke
W. Faine
Goals: 6
F. Heidke (6)
Report[60]
Result[61] 		Tries: 7
Bob Buckley (2)
Gary Kerkorian
Bill Albans
Alvin Kirkland
Ted Grossman
Al Abajian
Goals: 6
Gary Kerkorian (6)
Attendance: 6,166
Gate: AU£ 1,124
July 22 Riverina   30–14   America ANZAC Park, Gundagai
Tries: 6
Roley McDonell (2)
George Robertson
Len Koch
Brian Longhurst
Terry Brogan
Goals: 6
Len Koch (6) 		Team[62][63]
Report[64]
Result[65] 		Tries: 2
Mike Dimitro
Al D. Kirkland
Goals: 4
Gary Kerkorian (4)
Attendance: 2,560
Gate: AU£ 576
Referee: Col Pearce
July 25 New South Wales   27–18   America Sydney Cricket Ground
2.45pm
 Tries: 5
Johnny Rouse
Ferris Ashton
Brian Carlson
Harry Wells
Noel Pidding
Goals: 6
Noel Pidding (6) 		Program
Report[66][67] 		Tries: 4
Ken McCaffery
Brian Davies
Bill Albans
Al D. Kirkland
Goals: 3
Gary Kerkorian (3)
Attendance: 19,686
Gate: AU£ 2,272
Referee: Aub Oxford

New Zealand leg edit

August 1 Auckland   54–26   America Carlaw Park, Auckland
Tries: 12
Goals: 9 		Tries: 6
Goals: 4
August 4 Taranaki   18–21   America Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
Tries: 4
Goals: 3 		Tries: 5
Frank Mulcare (3)
Travers Hardwick
Roy Roff
Goals: 3
George Kauffman (2)
Field Goals: 1
George Kauffman
August 7 Wellington   8–17   America Basin Reserve, Wellington
Tries:

Goals: 		Tries:

Goals:

George Kauffman (2)
August 11 West Coast   27–10   America Wingham Park, Greymouth
Tries:

Goals: 		Tries:

Goals:
August 15 Canterbury   39–8   America Addington Showground, Christchurch
Tries:

Goals: 		Tries:

Goals:
Attendance: 5,000
August 19 North Auckland   6–25   America Jubilee Park, To Whangerei
Tries:

Goals: 		Tries:

Goals:
Attendance: 3,000
August 22 New Zealand Māori   40–23   America Carlaw Park, Auckland
Tries:

Goals: 		Tries:

Goals:
August 24 South Auckland   19–2   America Hamilton
Tries:

Goals: 		Tries:

Goals:

Sources edit

Acronym Item Years Database App Notes
Direct Online Access
- Pratten Park Magpies 1953 Website Page Copies of photos and articles
RLN Rugby League News 1920-1973 Trove Match Program in Sydney, Team Lists, Team Photos, Articles
RLP Rugby League Project 1907–present RLP Website Match dates and scores
Sun The Sun (Sydney) 1910-1954 Trove Match Reports, Articles.
DT The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) 1931-1954 Trove Match Reports, Articles.
CM The Courier-Mail 1933-1954 Trove Match Reports, Articles.
- Various Australian Regional Newspapers up to 1954 Trove Match Reports, Given Names of Players
Offline Resources
- Gavin Willacy's
No Helmets Required[1]		 1953 Copy at
SLNSW		 First published in 2013. Interviews with many of the players, or their family members. History of the tour, with each match discussed.
EECYB E.E. Christensen's Official Rugby League Year Book 1946-1978 Copies at
SLNSW		 Teams, Point Scorers, Report. 1954 Yearbook includes a brief summary of the 1953 tour, with teams and point scorers for the three matches in Sydney.
QRLG Queensland Rugby League Gazette 1950-1955 Copies at
SLQ		 Program for matches in Brisbane.
RRLG Rockhampton Rugby League Gazette 1951-1968 Copies at
SLQ		 Program for matches in Rockhampton.
- Ipswich Versus International Teams[68] 1913-1975 Copies at
SLQ & NLA		 Match Report, Given Names & Club of Ipswich Players
- A History of Mackay Rugby League[69] 1919-2015 Author's Website Given Names & Club of Ipswich Players
- More Than The Foley Shield[70] 1908-2014 Author's Website Match report, team photos. Given Names & Club of North Queensland Players

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f Willacy, Gavin (2018). No helmets required : the remarkable story of the American All Stars. Durrington : Pitch Publishing Ltd.
  2. ^ Crawford, George (19 May 1953). "U.S. Team of Converts - Looking forward to League tour". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 31. Retrieved 5 Feb 2021.
  3. ^ Thatcher, George (22 May 1953). "Yanks Impress In 'Secret' Trial". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 40. Retrieved 6 Feb 2021.
  4. ^ "American Rugby League Players Have First Win". The Queensland Times. Ipswich: National Library of Australia. 26 May 1953. p. 3. Retrieved 6 Feb 2021.
  5. ^ "Bonetti Flown To Sydney". Newcastle Morning Herald. Newcastle: National Library of Australia. 23 Jul 1953. p. 7. Retrieved 6 Feb 2021.
  6. ^ "Five U.S. All Stars leave for home". The Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga). Wagga: National Library of Australia. 29 Jul 1953. p. 6. Retrieved 6 Feb 2021.
  7. ^ "U.S. Rugby League Team Here Today; Reception And Match". The Canberra Times. Canberra: National Library of Australia. 27 May 1953. p. 3. Retrieved 26 Jan 2021.
  8. ^ "Football". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. 18 May 1953. p. 17. Retrieved 26 Jan 2021.
  9. ^ "Incident- Packed Match Won, 34 To 25 By American Stars". The Canberra Times. Canberra: National Library of Australia. 28 May 1953. p. 6. Retrieved 26 Jan 2021.
  10. ^ Crawford, George (28 May 1953). "U.S. Centre Praised - Scores four tries in dramatic win". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 44. Retrieved 26 Jan 2021.
  11. ^ "Record Crowd Sees All Stars Win First Match". Illawarra Mercury. Wollongong: National Library of Australia. 28 May 1953. p. 11. Retrieved 26 Jan 2021.
  12. ^ "Local's Spectacular Try Against Americans". Goulburn Post. Goulburn: National Library of Australia. 28 May 1953. p. 8. Retrieved 27 Jan 2021.
  13. ^ Crawford, George (31 May 1953). "Amazing accuracy in American pitch-pass - Pidding's cricket score of 34 points against America". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 59. Retrieved 27 Jan 2021.
  14. ^ Mathers, Jim (31 May 1953). "64,953 Fans Flock To See League'S Yankee Doodle Dandies". Truth (Sydney newspaper). Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 28. Retrieved 27 Jan 2021.
  15. ^ Allen, Geoff (31 May 1953). "Americans Fail In Sydney - Good showmen, but novices in League tactics". The Sun (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 27. Retrieved 27 Jan 2021.
  16. ^ Corbett, W.F. (2 Jun 1953). "N.S.W. Players Hold Off As Game Finishes In Farce". The Sun (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 21. Retrieved 5 Feb 2021.
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  37. ^ ""Sideline" Reviews Yanks V. N. Coast". Manning River Times. Taree: National Library of Australia. 19 Jun 1953. p. 8. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
  38. ^ "Yank Footballers Down In Hard Game". The Daily Examiner. Grafton: National Library of Australia. 18 Jun 1953. p. 3. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
  39. ^ "All Stars Player Helps Country Win 26-18". The Sydney Morning Herald. Sydney: National Library of Australia. 18 Jun 1953. p. 9. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
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  42. ^ Reardon, Jack (21 Jun 1953). "Americans Could Become League Threat - Not Just Circus Troupe". Sunday Mail. Brisbane: National Library of Australia. p. 28. Retrieved 28 Jan 2021.
  43. ^ "Yanks Not 'All Stars' But Are All Stayers - Novices Gave Maroons Big Fright". Truth. Brisbane: National Library of Australia. 21 Jun 1953. p. 15. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
  44. ^ "American Team Chosen For To-Day'S League Game". Cairns Post. Cairns: National Library of Australia. 24 Jun 1953. p. 5. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
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  46. ^ "Torrid Rugby League Match Results In Draw". Cairns Post. Cairns: National Library of Australia. 25 Jun 1953. p. 5. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
  47. ^ "South Townsville Associates". Townsville Daily Bulletin. Townsville: National Library of Australia. 25 Jun 1953. p. 2. Retrieved 1 Feb 2021.
  48. ^ "North Queensland's First International Game Win". Townsville Daily Bulletin. Townsville: National Library of Australia. 29 Jun 1953. p. 4. Retrieved 1 Feb 2021.
  49. ^ "North Queensland Scores Against Ail Stars". Townsville Daily Bulletin. Townsville: National Library of Australia. 29 Jun 1953. p. 3. Retrieved 1 Feb 2021.
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  51. ^ "Football - Central West Defeat All Stars". Townsville Daily Bulletin. Townsville: National Library of Australia. 2 Jul 1953. p. 2. Retrieved 1 Feb 2021.
  52. ^ "All Stars Beaten By Central Coast". The Morning Bulletin. Rockhampton: National Library of Australia. 6 Jul 1953. p. 8. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
  53. ^ "Han, Kirkland save huge All Star defeat". The Courier-Mail. Brisbane: National Library of Australia. 6 Jul 1953. p. 7. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
  54. ^ "Barnett out of Yankee match". The Courier-Mail. Brisbane: National Library of Australia. 7 Jul 1953. p. 7. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
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  56. ^ "Rugby League: All Stars Thrill Crowd Though Beaten". Warwick Daily News. Warwick: National Library of Australia. 16 Jul 1953. p. 7. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
  57. ^ "Toowoomba Beats Americans 29-15". The Queensland Times. Ipswich: National Library of Australia. 16 Jul 1953. p. 3. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
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