Barry Bryant (rugby league)

Barry Bryant is an Australian former rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s and 1970s. He played for Western Suburbs in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition.[2]

Barry Bryant

Personal information
Full name	Barry Bryant
Born	23 May 1945
Playing information
Position	Second-row, Lock
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 1965–73 Western Suburbs 136 25 0 0 75
As of 8 July 2019 Source: [1]

Playing career

Bryant was recruited from the Cowra Magpies in the Country New South Wales competition by Western Suburbs in 1965. Bryant spent 8 seasons with Western Suburbs although his time at the club was not very successful with the side failing to reach the finals and they finished last on the table in 1971. Bryant was described by former Wests player Noel Kelly as the best and toughest rugby league footballer he ever played with.

After 186 games across all grades, Bryant left Western Suburbs and signed on as captain-coach of the Gloucester Magpies. Bryant then returned to Sydney and played with Wentworthville in the metropolitan competition. Bryant then returned to Cowra and became coach of the Cowra Magpies reserve grade side in the 1980s. Bryant had a unique career in which every club he played for had the nickname "Magpies".[3][4]

Accolades

Bryant was named in the Western Suburbs team of the 1960s team. In 2016, Bryant was inducted into Cowra's Sporting Hall Of Fame.[5]

References

1. "Barry Bryant - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
2. "2016 Pratten Park Magpies Reunion". Pratten Park Magpies.
3. Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. (1995 edition) ISBN 1875169571
4. "Western Suburbs Magpies First Grade Players". Wests Magpies.
5. "Barry Bryant inducted into Cowra's Sporting Hall Of Fame". Cowra Guardian.