When the Kangaroos Played 7s

Sean Fagan of RL1908.com

"The Australians may never play before such a big attendance as that which to-day crowded round the natural amphitheatre in the glorious Roundhay Park (Leeds) during the twilight 6.30 kick-off before 80,000 spectators," wrote a reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald in August 1933.

It was a bold call, but over 75 years later, it remains true.

The 1992 World Cup Final at Wembley drew 76,631. The highest drawing Ashes Tests in Sydney in 1932 and 1962 nudged just over 70,000.

So what was this Kangaroos match in 1933 that drew so many people?

It was an international contest, of sorts, between Australia and England - the sides met for the one and only time under rugby league 7s rules.

Of course, such a contest could never have been the primary draw to Roundhay Park that day - the real crowd-pullers were royalty - King George V and Queen Mary. The 7s match was played as part of the day's celebrations, or as the Herald reporter put it, "provided gratis as part of the Leeds Royal festivities."

For the Kangaroos it was their opening hit-out of the tour after six weeks at sea. England picked a strong side, and despite the carnival atmosphere, both teams took to the game in full earnest. It was a thirty minutes game, with 12 minutes for each half, and a six minutes interval.

However, not only were the Australians still trying to rid themselves of "their sea legs," but none of them had ever seen, let alone played, 7-a-side rugby league.

While rugby 7s (of either code) was common enough in England and New Zealand since the late 1890s, it had never caught on in Australia in league or union.

The nearest the 1933 Kangaroos had to an "expert' in 7s was Queensland's 2nd rower/hooker Dan Dempsey, who had played nine-a-side games in Ipswich. That was a sufficient c.v. to warrant the selectors appointing Dempsey as team captain. His fellow Ipswichian, Bill 'Circy' Smith, also got a run.

England (selected side): Atkinson (Leeds), Brindle and Brogden (c)(Huddersfield), Thornton, White and Beverley (Hunslet), 7th player not listed.

Australia (selected side): Bill Smith (Ipswich Starlights), Frank Curran, Frank O'Connor and Jack Why (South Sydney), Vic Hey and Les Mead (Western Sub.s), Dan Dempsey (c)(Booval Swifts).

By all reports the contest provided a spectacle that particularly pleased the enormous crowd, even if the final result didn't. The Kangaroos led at half-time 13 to 8, then raced away with a 29-11 victory. The speed of the play of the Australian backs proving to be not only decisive, but thrilling to the spectators.

During the second half England lost Beverley, who had to leave the field with a cut lip. In a sporting gesture the Kangaroos "retired" Frank Curran to even up the sides, and the crowd applauded the friendly move particularly loudly. Once fulltime was called the players were besieged by the fans, with many pressing the men for autographs.

Of the match The Yorkshire Post wrote that: "Considering that it was the first time the Australians had played seven aside, the victory is distinctly creditable."

"The strength and pace of the Australians were evident early, but none had the pace of Brogden, who outpaced all for two tries."

The Daily Express added: "The Australians impressed by their superior speed and smarter passing. Mead gave a polished display. He possessed a fine swerve, and was a fine goal kicker."

After the game the teams were treated to refreshments in the historic Roundhay Mansion, and were then given a prime viewing position to watch the "Royal pyrotechnics display" on the nearby lake front as the dark of night set in.

Despite the apparent popularity of this 7s contest amongst the press, the players, and the public, the modified form of the game was never again played by the Kangaroos. Nor did the officials return home with any apparent enthusiasm to introduce 7s to Australia.

In 1947 the NSWRL considered a suggestion that a 7s tournament be held to raise funds for the "Food for Britain Fund." After a brief discussion the League announced that it had already made substantial contributions to the Fund, and that "it was averse to holding any matches but 13-a-side games."

While rugby union began playing regular 7s matches that same year, the rise of touch football in the 1950s and '60s dimmed any real thought of rugby league 7s emerging.

One prominent exception came in 1961 when the NSWRL conducted a 7s tournament amongst some Sydney clubs as part of a testimonal day for Keith Holman. Held at the Sydney Sports Ground, the day is noteworthy for the appearance of prolific try-scoring winger Brian Bevan for his former club, Eastern Suburbs. Bevan scored five tries in three games, and was named as player of the tournament.

It was not until 1988 that Australian rugby league conducted its first major 7s tournament, with NSWRL premiership clubs competing at Parramatta Stadium (South Sydney winners).