The Wizard, The Dazzler – Duncan Thompson

Known as “The Wizard” and the “The Dazzler”, Bears legend Duncan Thompson lead his team to the ultimate victory in 1922. Thompson was shot during WWI and returned with a bullet fragment lodged in his chest. Although told he would never play again, he defied the odds and went on to play in both the North Sydney 1921 and 1922 winning sides and also had a cracking tour with the Kangaroos in that same year.

He is a member of the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame (2006), the North Sydney Bears Team of the Century (2006), named in the 100 Greatest Players (1908 – 2007) and has a stand named after him at Bear Park (1929).

Post his playing career, he served again for his country in the AIF in World War II as an amenities officer at Townsville and in Papue New Guinea. He served as an administrator for the Queensland Rugby League and also coached the Toowoomba Clydesdales to six victories in the Bulimba Cup in the 1950s. He was a state and national selector in the 1950s and 1960s.

A Toowoomba champion tennis player and Queensland state tennis representative, Thompson played in the men’s doubles at the 1931 NSW Opens. He was also an accomplished cricketer, fine golfer and lawn bowler.

On Sunday we will commemorate the 100 Year Anniversary of the 1922 Premiership at North Sydney Oval and are inviting the families of the 1922 team to join us in the Bears Legends Lounge. Please contact admin@northsydneybears.com.au This strong portrait of the great man is from the Bears archives. #NorthSydneyBears #BearsHeritage #NSWRL

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