Throw Back Thursday – Polynesian Pioneer Helps Bluebags Beat the Bunnies
Each week, thanks to CRYO, we take a look back at a magical moment in our club’s history. Today, we remember a landmark signing for Newtown who orchestrated a big win over South Sydney in 1972.
POLYNESIAN PIONEER HELPSBLUEBAGS BEAT THE BUNNIES
While the nameOscar Danielson may not automatically ring a bell for many rugby league fans,in many ways the former Bluebags and Kiwi prop is a rugby league pioneer.
In the 1960s and1970s, there was little to no participation from players of non-Europeanbackgrounds in the New South Wales Rugby League competition. However, in 1970, Newtown coach Harry Bath broke new ground by signingDanielson, a Samoan-born New Zealandinternational, from the Marist club in Auckland.Danielson is believed to be the first player of Samoan heritage to gracepremiership rugby league in Australia.
"I think Iwas the pioneer,” Danielson told the New Zealand Herald in 2012.
“If it wasn't forme, maybe they wouldn't have all the Polynesians there today.”
Danielson went onto play three seasons for the Blues, with arguably his finest hour coming in1972, when he played a leading role in Newtown’s 27-19 win over South Sydney atthe SCG. This match turned out to be the last fixture between the twofoundation clubs to be held at Headquarters.
Coming into thisRound 20 match, Newtownneeded a win to keep their hopes of forcing a play-off for the last spot in afour-team finals series alive. Things started badly for the Bluebags as Southsdominated the first half to lead 14-5 at the break. Enter Danielson.
The Kiwi wasunstoppable during the second half, controlling the rucks, making excellentmetres up the middle and offloading the ball at will. Souths led 19-10 after 52minutes, but by the 72nd minute the Danielson-inspired Bluebags were ahead22-19 courtesy of a controversial try to skipper Lionel Williamson. When thefull-time whistle had blown, the Bluebags had triumphed 27-19 and Danielson wasthe talk of King Street.
Unfortunately, forNewtown they were unable to force a finalsplay-off in 1972, eventually finishing equal fifth with Canterbury. Danielson left the club at theend of the year to captain-coach the Corrimal Cougars, however, his legacy onthe game remains large not just for his feats on the SCG in 1972, but for thenumber of Pacific Islander players who take the field in NRL matches eachweekend.
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