Peter McGrath AM is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s and 1980s. McGrath played for Canberra in the NSWRL competition. McGrath was a foundation player for Canberra playing in the club's first ever game.

Peter McGrath
AM
Personal information
Full namePeter McGrath
BornJanuary 1955
Canberra, ACT, Australia
Height173 cm (5 ft 8 in)
Playing information
PositionCentre, Fullback, Five-eighth
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1982 Canberra Raiders 14 1 19 0 41
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1977–1981 NSW Country 4 0 0 0 0
Source: [1]
As of 28 February 2019

Background

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McGrath was born in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory and played with the Queanbeyan Blues in the country rugby league competition before signing with Canberra.

Playing career

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In 1982, McGrath joined newly admitted Canberra and played in the club's first ever game, a 37–7 loss against South Sydney at Redfern Oval. McGrath is credited with scoring the club's first points. Canberra would only go on to win 4 games in 1982 and finished last on the table claiming the wooden spoon. As of 2019, this is the only time that Canberra has finished last.[2][3]

Post playing

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McGrath went on to become the chairman of ACT Brumbies and also the chairman of the Australian Rugby Union. McGrath currently works as a lawyer in Canberra.[4]

In 2022, McGrath was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2022 Australia Day Honours for "significant service to rugby union as an administrator, and to tertiary education".[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Peter McGrath - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". Rugbyleagueproject.org.
  2. ^ Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. (1995 edition) ISBN 1875169571
  3. ^ "Class of '82 sees this year's Raiders graduating with high honours". www.smh.com.au. 27 February 2012.
  4. ^ "Absolutely Bleeding Green First Points". Canberra Raiders. 25 May 2018.
  5. ^ "Australia Day 2022 Honours List". Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment Co. 25 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.