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 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manager | Mike 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 |
| ||||
| Total |
| ||||
| Tour chronology | |||||
| Previous tour | 1952 by  to  1953 by to | ||||
| Next tour | 1953-54 by  to  1954 by  to | ||||
Summary
editThe 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 |
Monaco-Southern Division FB: Bill Beazley ( |
| 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 |
Sydney: FB: Clive Churchill (26) ( |
| 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 |
New South Wales: FB: Clive Churchill (26) ( |
| 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 |
Combined Country: FB: Darcy Russell ( |
| 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 |
Western Districts: FB: Gordon Head ( |
| 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 |
Newcastle: FB: Darcy Russell ( |
| 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- ^ a b c d e f Willacy, Gavin (2018). No helmets required : the remarkable story of the American All Stars. Durrington : Pitch Publishing Ltd.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "American Rugby League Players Have First Win". The Queensland Times. Ipswich: National Library of Australia. 26 May 1953. p. 3. Retrieved 6 Feb 2021.
- ^ "Bonetti Flown To Sydney". Newcastle Morning Herald. Newcastle: National Library of Australia. 23 Jul 1953. p. 7. Retrieved 6 Feb 2021.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Football". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. 18 May 1953. p. 17. Retrieved 26 Jan 2021.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Record Crowd Sees All Stars Win First Match". Illawarra Mercury. Wollongong: National Library of Australia. 28 May 1953. p. 11. Retrieved 26 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Local's Spectacular Try Against Americans". Goulburn Post. Goulburn: National Library of Australia. 28 May 1953. p. 8. Retrieved 27 Jan 2021.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "State League Team To Be Chosen At Wollongong". Illawarra Mercury. Wollongong: National Library of Australia. 26 May 1953. p. 12. Retrieved 27 Jan 2021.
- ^ "The Americans Face Stiff Task At Wollongong". South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus. Wollongong: National Library of Australia. 4 Jun 1953. p. 32. Retrieved 27 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Record Crowd Sees American All Stars Lose To Country". Illawarra Mercury. Wollongong: National Library of Australia. 8 Jun 1953. p. 12. Retrieved 26 Jan 2021.
- ^ Crawford, George (8 Jun 1953). "Country Wins Tough Game 35-9 - Americans Improve". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 23. Retrieved 26 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Country Not Even Extended By American All Stare". South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus. Wollongong: National Library of Australia. 8 Jun 1953. p. 23. Retrieved 27 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Football - Western Team To Play U.S. All Stars". Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate. Dubbo: National Library of Australia. 3 Jun 1953. p. 6. Retrieved 30 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Western Team to Play Americans". Mudgee Guardian and Gulgong Advertiser. Mudgee: National Library of Australia. 4 Jun 1953. p. 15. Retrieved 28 Jan 2021.
- ^ "7000 See 'All Stars' In Historic Match With West". Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate. Dubbo: National Library of Australia. 10 Jun 1953. p. 1. Retrieved 30 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Win For Western Districts - American Tourists Beaten". Western Advocate. Bathurst: National Library of Australia. 11 Jun 1953. p. 6. Retrieved 30 Jan 2021.
- ^ Crawford, George (11 Jun 1953). "American R.L Team Battered In Close Dubbo Match". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 44. Retrieved 30 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Americans Hurt In Rugged Dubbo R.L. Loss". The Sydney Morning Herald. Sydney: National Library of Australia. 11 Jun 1953. p. 8. Retrieved 30 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Russell Leads Newcastle". Newcastle Morning Herald. Newcastle: National Library of Australia. 9 Jun 1953. p. 8. Retrieved 30 Jan 2021.
- ^ Roulston, R.S. (11 Jun 1953). "U.S. League Team Improved; May Test Newcastle". The Newcastle Sun. Newcastle: National Library of Australia. p. 24. Retrieved 30 Jan 2021.
- ^ "League Lessons From Americans". Newcastle Morning Herald. Newcastle: National Library of Australia. 15 Jun 1953. p. 8. Retrieved 30 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Captain big factor in Americans' win". The Sun (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. 14 Jun 1953. p. 33. Retrieved 30 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Americans win -- but referee generous". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. 14 Jun 1953. p. 63. Retrieved 30 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Americans Defeat Newcastle". The Sun (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. 13 Jun 1953. p. 7. Retrieved 30 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Team to Play Americans". The Coff's Harbour Advocate. Coffs Harbour: National Library of Australia. 5 Jun 1953. p. 10. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
- ^ "American All-Stars At Coffs Harbour". The Daily Examiner. Grafton: National Library of Australia. 16 Jun 1953. p. 2. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
- ^ Mac, Ken (19 Jun 1953). "Spotlight On Sport - American All-Stars, North N.S.W. In Colourful Clash At Coff's". The Northern Champion. Taree: National Library of Australia. p. 12. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
- ^ ""Sideline" Reviews Yanks V. N. Coast". Manning River Times. Taree: National Library of Australia. 19 Jun 1953. p. 8. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Yank Footballers Down In Hard Game". The Daily Examiner. Grafton: National Library of Australia. 18 Jun 1953. p. 3. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Rugby League: Queensland In 22-13 Win In Night Game". Warwick Daily News. Warwick: National Library of Australia. 16 Jun 1953. p. 5. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
- ^ Crawford, George (19 Jun 1953). "One injured in U.S. squad". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 39. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b "Rugby League Team - Far Northern Players To Meet Americans". Cairns Post. Cairns: National Library of Australia. 16 Jun 1953. p. 1. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
- ^ "Torrid Rugby League Match Results In Draw". Cairns Post. Cairns: National Library of Australia. 25 Jun 1953. p. 5. Retrieved 31 Jan 2021.
- ^ "South Townsville Associates". Townsville Daily Bulletin. Townsville: National Library of Australia. 25 Jun 1953. p. 2. Retrieved 1 Feb 2021.
- ^ "North Queensland's First International Game Win". Townsville Daily Bulletin. Townsville: National Library of Australia. 29 Jun 1953. p. 4. Retrieved 1 Feb 2021.
- ^ "North Queensland Scores Against Ail Stars". Townsville Daily Bulletin. Townsville: National Library of Australia. 29 Jun 1953. p. 3. Retrieved 1 Feb 2021.
- ^ "Yanks Go Down To Wests". The Longreach Leader. Longreach: National Library of Australia. 3 Jul 1953. p. 23. Retrieved 1 Feb 2021.
- ^ "Football - Central West Defeat All Stars". Townsville Daily Bulletin. Townsville: National Library of Australia. 2 Jul 1953. p. 2. Retrieved 1 Feb 2021.
- ^ "All Stars Beaten By Central Coast". The Morning Bulletin. Rockhampton: National Library of Australia. 6 Jul 1953. p. 8. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
- ^ "Han, Kirkland save huge All Star defeat". The Courier-Mail. Brisbane: National Library of Australia. 6 Jul 1953. p. 7. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
- ^ "Barnett out of Yankee match". The Courier-Mail. Brisbane: National Library of Australia. 7 Jul 1953. p. 7. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
- ^ Reardon, Jack (8 Jul 1953). "Leg-Weary Yankees Down To Brisbane". The Courier-Mail. Brisbane: National Library of Australia. p. 12. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Toowoomba Beats Americans 29-15". The Queensland Times. Ipswich: National Library of Australia. 16 Jul 1953. p. 3. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
- ^ Linneth, Tom (19 Jul 1953). "Yanks Won With "Ring-Ins"". Sunday Mail. Brisbane: National Library of Australia. p. 28. Retrieved 5 Feb 2021.
- ^ "Yanks win rough game". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. 19 Jul 1953. p. 62. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
- ^ "Carelessness Cost All Stars League Match". Maryborough Chronicle. Maryborough: National Library of Australia. 20 Jul 1953. p. 2. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
- ^ "Carelessness Costs All Stars A Victory". The Courier-Mail. Brisbane: National Library of Australia. 20 Jul 1953. p. 6. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
- ^ "Riverina R.L. Team All From Group 9". The Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga). Wagga: National Library of Australia. 16 Jul 1953. p. 6. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
- ^ "Help for Yanks". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. 22 Jul 1953. p. 28. Retrieved 2 Feb 2021.
- ^ "U.S. All Stars Outplayed By Riverina At Gundagai". The Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga). Wagga: National Library of Australia. 23 Jul 1953. p. 8. Retrieved 1 Feb 2021.
- ^ "Easy Win For Riverina". The Daily Examiner. Grafton: National Library of Australia. 23 Jul 1953. p. 4. Retrieved 1 Feb 2021.
- ^ Christensen, E.E. (25 Jul 1953). "N.S.W. ahead of America in League". The Sun (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 6. Retrieved 5 Feb 2021.
- ^ Crawford, George (26 Jul 1953). "Pidding's kicks save N.S.W against American tourists". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Sydney: National Library of Australia. p. 58. Retrieved 5 Feb 2021.
- ^ Christison, J.E. (2012). Ipswich Versus International Teams. J.E. Christison. ISBN 978-0-98060-74-2-0.
- ^ Price, Tony (2015). A History of Mackay Rugby League. CPX Printing and Logistics. ISBN 978-0-646-94056-4.
- ^ Price, Tony (2014). More Than The Foley Shield - A History of Rugby League in Queensland. CPX Printing and Logistics. ISBN 978-0-646-92820-3.