The Australian NRL pays tribute to Mossop © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

Features: Reds lead the Aussie charge

News: Wallabies legend Brockhoff dies

Players/Officials: Dave Brockhoff

Teams: Australia

Australian great Rex Mossop has died aged 83.

Mossop, a dual international and media commentator, passed away on Saturday morning and was part of the famous 1949 Wallabies side which defeated the All Blacks on home soil. Mossop, an imposing lock, was joined in that side by great names including David Brockhoff, who sadly passed away on Friday,Trevor Allan, Nick Shehadie and Cyril Burke.

Mossop, as a boy growing up in Manly, began playing rugby in the local Junior Union for St Matthews' Church teams, and later as a forward at Manly High School. He stood out in size, strength and ability, and at age 16 was drafted into Manly's senior side by coach Ron Walden, where he played 117 first-grade matches for his club.

At the age of 18 he began his representative career after being selected in a Sydney Metropolitan XV in 1946, but the presence of older, more experienced forwards in New South Wales delayed his selection in the State team until 1949 against Queensland. From then until 1951 he played 17 matches as a Waratah, including games against Great Britain in 1950 and New Zealand in 1951.

Mossop's Wallaby career concluded in 1951 following the Test against New Zealand in Sydney where he earned his fifth Wallaby cap. In total Mossop represented his country on 11 occasions, five Test and six non-Test caps as well as 17 caps for New South Wales.

Following his 1951 retirement from rugby union, Mossop moved to Great Britain where he took up a position with English rugby league club Leigh in Lancashire. He returned home in 1956 and joined the Manly Sea Eagles before earning a call up to the Kangaroos in 1959.

Following an impressive sporting career Mossop retired in 1963 to pursue a career in the media and became one of the country's best loved rugby league voices.

In 2000 Mossop was awarded an Australian Sports Medal in recognition of his services to sport.