Hall of Fame #38: Michael Cleary

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MICHAEL CLEARY

 

Michael Cleary is one of Australia’s greatest ever sportsmen representing the country in both rugby codes and athletics.

A Wallaby in 1961, Cleary converted to rugby league in 1962 joining the South Sydney Rabbitohs and found success at Redfern winning premierships on the wing in 1967, 1968 and 1970.

Cleary was immediately selected for the Kangaroos in 1962, playing Great Britain at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

In retirement, Cleary became a politician and a successful one at that.

He was the State member for Coogee for almost two decades, NSW Minister for Sport from 1981 to 1989 and the NSW Minister for Racing for a number of years.