John Sparks (rugby league)

Last updated

John Sparks
Personal information
Full nameJohn Sparks
Born (1962-05-04) 4 May 1962 (age 60)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
Position Five-eighth, Fullback, Centre
Club
YearsTeamPldTGFGP
1981 Balmain Tigers 61003
1982–84 Illawarra Steelers 42160051
Total48170054
Source: [1]
As of 26 February 2019

John Sparks is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s. Sparks was a foundation player for Illawarra playing in the club's first game.

Playing career

Sparks made his first grade debut for Balmain in Round 4 1981 against Canterbury at Leichhardt Oval with the match finishing in a 52–13 loss.

Balmain went on to finish with the wooden spoon after coming last in 1981 and was one of only four times that the foundation club would ever come last in its entire history.

In 1982, Sparks joined newly admitted Illawarra and played in the club's first ever game which was against Penrith at WIN Stadium and ended in a 17–7 loss. Sparks finished as the club's joint top try scorer in its inaugural year with 13 tries.

Sparks played 2 more seasons with Illawarra before retiring at the end of 1984. [2] [3] [4]

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References

  1. "John Sparks - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". Rugbyleagueproject.org.
  2. "Illawarra Steelers kicked off 30 years ago". Illawarra Mercury.
  3. "No such thing as a free punch". Sydney Morning Herald.
  4. Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. (1995 edition) ISBN   1875169571