Ray Stehr

Born in Warialda, Stehr's family was forced to move to Sydney when he developed a blood clot in his spine, threatening to leave him a cripple. Young Ray Stehr spent over a year in plaster but made a miraculous recovery to forge a reputation as one of the most feared players in international football. After coming straight from Randwick High School, he made his first grade debut for Easts at age 15 in a trial against Newcastle in 1928. He was soon a regular first grader and debuted for NSW in 1931. Stehr went on to represent NSW on a record 30 occasions during the next decade, which is still the third highest total by any player. A tough, uncompromising prop, he toured with the 1933-34 Kangaroos and played in 26 matches including 2 Tests. He took on a player-coach position with Mudgee for part of the 1934 season (also captaining Country) before returning to play in the champion Easts sides that won premierships in 1935-37. Stehr toured NZ in 1935, playing three Tests, and was sent from the field in two of the three Tests against England in 1936. He made his second Kangaroo tour the following year, playing in two Tests against NZ on the first stopover of the tour before making one Test appearance against England. The advent of World War Two ended his Test career but he captained Easts to premiership titles in 1940 and 1945 either side of his two-years of war service. Stehr retired in 1946 with a club record number of games to his credit and in his later roles as coach, administrator and commentator was renowned for his battles with officialdom - especially League president 'Jersey' Flegg. Stehr was asked to take over as coach of newly promoted club Manly in 1947-48 but in 1954, declined the opportunity to help Great Britain with scrummaging - an opponent of the 'old enemy' to the last. Stehr died in 1983, aged 70.