‘One of the greatest’: Tributes flow as inaugural Maroons Origin coach dies

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McDonald was also a professional runner and nearly the world record for the 440 yards as well as winning the Gilgandra Gift and the 880 yards at the Bendigo Gift in 1966.

But it was in rugby league where McDonald made his mark.

A winger or centre, McDonald joined Manly in 1969 and played 62 games for Manly with 30 tries between 1969 and 1971 according to the NRL.

He captained the team in the 1970 Grand Final — Manly lost 23-12 to South Sydney.

McDonald also played 10 matches for Queensland and four for NSW in the pre-Origin era as well as 13 Tests for Australia between 1966 and 1970.

He then moved into coaching, eventually leading Queensland between 1978 and 1980, which included the first State of Origin match.

At the time, interstate matches were played under “state of residency” rules, with NSW winning the first two matches of the series.

The third was played under “state of origin” rules with Queensland winning the match 20-10 amid a series of brawls.

Before the match, as most of the best players were bought up by NSW clubs, the Queensland had not won a match since 1975.

Although he didn’t continue in the role in 1981, it established the format which still thrives today.

Between 1992 and 2012, McDonald was the chairman of the Queensland Rugby League and between 1998 and 1999, he was the first Queenslander elected chairman of the Australian Rugby League. He was also part of the NRL committee in 1998 after the Super League war.

Tributes have flowed in the wake of his death with the legendary figure remembered a great of the game but an even better man.

Australian coach and Maroons legend Mal Meninga said: “His achievements both on and off the field stands him among the greats of our game and his influence on the game is enormous and he will be surely missed.

“He was my first ever rep coach and we had a lot of fun and it’s very important that whatever you do is fun, you’ve got to enjoy it.

“His advice to me, as an ex-centre, when I was only about 20 years old at the time was to go out and enjoy yourself and make sure you don’t let this day down and that’s the message that continues today.”

Origin legend Wally Lewis remembered when McDonald told him he would play lock for the Maroons in the 1980 Origin series.

“I still remember his opening words — ‘I haven’t seen you play, but the selectors wouldn’t have picked you up unless you could so don’t blow it’,” Lewis said via the ABC.

“He laughed, I laughed, and he was a very low-profile guy, he didn’t like to put pressure on the players.”

QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher said McDonald had impacted every level of rugby league.

“John was quite simply a remarkable individual who touched the lives of so many people around him,” Hatcher said.

“His achievements within the game are unrivalled. Not only did he play and coach at elite level, but he dedicated many years to rugby league administration, from the grassroots to the international game.

“The QRL expresses its deepest sympathy to his family, friends and all in the rugby league community, who are deeply saddened by his passing.”

NSWRL president Bob Millward added: “He was always a true blue Queenslander shall we say, even though he played half-a-dozen games for NSW City and NSW City Firsts.

“He was a very good footballer – even better man.”

Long-serving Maroons manager and former Queensland centre Chris Close posted on Facebook, writing: “Cracker’ McDonald was a great bloke, great rugby league player and the very first Queensland State of Origin coach. He will be very sadly missed by his beautiful family and all those that knew him. RIP John [Cracker] McDonald”.

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said that McDonald was “one of the greatest leaders ever to grace the game of Rugby League.”

“Few individuals have had an impact on the game of Rugby League in Australia to the magnitude of John ‘Cracker’ McDonald,” V’landys said.

“He was also one of the games absolute gentlemen and he will be remembered for many decades to come for his immense contribution to grassroots and elite Rugby League.”