Jack recalls golden era

John ‘Jack’ Brannigan was part  of one of Balmain Tigers’  greatest teams, the 1947 premiers. Teammates of the side coached by Norm ‘Latchem’ Robinson included Tom Bourke, Harry Bath, Pat Devery, Joe Jorgenson, Herb Gilbert, Bobby Lulham and Jack Spencer.

The Tigers were in an outstanding era, making five successive gran finals from 1944-48 and winnin three, which saw Jack have limited top grade experience but achieve what so many aspire to – a first grade grand final victo (13-9 against Canterbury). He was a Front Row Forward and said that his biggest pay was £2 ($4) sign on.

These times were recalled when Men of League’s Warren Thompson, Alan Webb and John Peard visited the ’47 premiership winning forward Jack at Lewisham Nursing Home.

Jack still watches regularly on TV. Special thanks to Terry Williams from NRL Museum who provided copies of programs from 1947 which we were able to give to Jack. On reading these he had tears rolling down his cheeks.

He was presented with a Men of League polo shirt and cap and conveyed to us his heartfelt thanks. If there are any former players who would like to visit Jack please contact Men of League office

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