SANDY PEARCE

Sandy Pearce was the first dominant hooker in Australian rugby league. Born in Double Bay, Pearce was the first ever dummy half to represent New South Wales and was the first Eastern Suburbs player to 100 games. He then did the double by being the first player in the NSWRL to reach 150 games. A few short years later, his son Joe would rise to prominence and also represent Australia and NSW. They were the first father and son to play for the Kangaroos.

Pearce Senior represented Australia on 14 occasions between 1908 and 1922 and retired a touring Australian player on the 1921-1922 Kangaroo Tour to England.

He died from a heart strain at the tender age of 47.

Pallbearers at his funeral included long-time friend Dally Messenger and Frank Burge.