John McDonald dead – Rugby League coach known as ‘Cracker’ dies aged 79 after astonishing career as player and mentor | Englishheadline

Queensland rugby league icon John McDonald has died aged 79.

Known affectionately as Cracker, McDonald made history as the very first Maroons State of Origin.

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He passed on Wednesday in his home town of Toowoomba.

Maroons great Wally Lewis reflected on his immense impact on Australian sport, which included him guiding Queensland to a 20-10 win against New South Wales in the first State of Origin game in 1980.

Lewis told AAP: “John was given the most challenging job of all in 1980 and his achievement in ensuring Queensland won that game was imperative to the reputation and future of State of Origin football,”