The NRL has today paid tribute to former St George and Kangaroos player Tony Branson, who has passed away aged 73.
Branson represented Australia on eight occasions, and was also a NSW and Country Firsts representative.
“Tony was a tremendous five-eighth and made a name for himself through his selection for a Kangaroo Tour from Nowra, along with his time with St George,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.
“He held his own in amongst some of the finest players to have ever played the game.
“He also became a rugby league stalwart with some tireless work outside of his playing career.
“On behalf of the game I offer my sincerest condolences to Tony’s family and friends.”
Tony Branson
Born: December 18, 1946, Nowra, NSW
Career overview
Club career 1964-76
Nowra Warriors 1964-67
St George 1968-73
1968: 14 games, 2 tries, 6 points
1969: 22 games, 4 tries, 2 field goals, 16 points
1970: 11 games, 1 try, 3 points
1971: 23 games, 7 tries, 21 points
1972: 23 games, 8 tries, 3 field goals, 27 points
1973: 8 games, 1 try, 3 points
Total: 101 games, 23 tries, 5 field goals, 76 points
Wollongong 1974-76
Rep career: 1966-74
Southern Division 1966-67; Illawarra 1974; Country Seconds 1966; Country Firsts 1967; City Seconds 1969; City Firsts 1971; NSW 1967-68, 1971; Australia 1967-68, 1971.
Tests and World Cup 1967-68, 1971: 8 games, 1 try, 3 points
Tour matches 1967-68: 12 games, 2 tries, 6 points
Branson toured Great Britain and France with the Kangaroos in 1967-68 and toured New Zealand with the Australian team in 1971. He represented Australia at the 1968 World Cup
He played in the 1971 grand final for St George.
Source: David Middleton, League Information Services
