William Ryan (rugby league)

William Ryan

Personal information
Full name	William Joseph Ryan
Born	(1919-09-24)24 September 1919 Petersham, New South Wales, Australia
Died	7 December 1942(1942-12-07) (aged 23) near Sanananda, Territory of New Guinea
Playing information
Position	Centre
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 1941 Newtown Bluebags 12 11 0 0 33 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 1941 New South Wales 1 1 0 0 3 1941 New South Wales City 1 0 0 0 0
Source: [1]
Relatives	Bruce Ryan (brother)
Military career
Allegiance	Australia
Service / branch	Australian Army
Years of service	1941-1942
Rank	Lieutenant
Unit	55/53 Infantry Battalion
Battles / wars	World War II Kokoda Track campaign

William Joseph Ryan (24 September 1919 – 7 December 1942) was an Australian rugby league footballer who played in the New South Wales Rugby League for Newtown Bluebags. He also represented New South Wales.[1]

Early life and rugby career

Ryan was born on 24 September 1919 in Petersham to William Joseph and Eva Ryan.[2][3] His brother, Bruce, would also play rugby league for Newtown Bluebags.[1]

Ryan played as a centre in 12 matches for Newtown Bluebags in 1941, gaining 11 tries and 33 points.[1] He also played representatively for New South Wales and New South Wales City.[1]

Military career

Ryan served as a lieutenant in the 55/53 Infantry Battalion of the Second Australian Imperial Force during the Second World War.[2][3] He was killed near Sanananda in the New Guinea campaign on 7 December 1942.[4] Ryan is buried at Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery.[2]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	Division	League				Other				Total
			Apps	Tries	Goals	Points	Apps	Tries	Goals	Points	Apps	Tries	Goals	Points
Newtown Bluebags	1941	New South Wales Rugby League[1]	12	11	0	33	0	0	0	0	12	11	0	33
Club career total			12	11	0	33	0	0	0	0	12	11	0	33
New South Wales	1941	Representative[1]	1	1	0	3	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	3
New South Wales City	1941		1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0
Representative career total			2	1	0	3	0	0	0	0	2	1	0	3
Career total			14	12	0	36	0	0	0	0	14	12	0	36

References

1. "William Ryan – Career Stats and Summary". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
2. "Casualty Details: Ryan, William Joseph". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
3. "World War Two Service". Australian Government – Department of Veterans' Affairs. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
4. Middleton, David (24 April 2010). "Footy stars taken on battlefield". Courier Mail. Retrieved 16 July 2020.