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Leslie Skelsey

A TOUCH OF SOUTH SYDNEY RUGBY LEAGUE HISTORY
LESLIE SKELSEY CAPTAIN OF SOUTH SYDNEY FEDERALS
2nd GRADE PREMIERS 1912 & 1913
(INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY LESLIE’S SON, KEVIN SKELSEY)
WRITTEN BY KEN VESSEY

Leslie SKELSEY was born in 1889 and lived in Walker Street, Redfern which is a stone’s throw away from the famous Redfern Oval and the home of the South Sydney Bunnies.

Leslie as a lad played rugby union and it is believed he switched from rugby union to the new professional game of rugby league in 1908.

This sudden change of code to rugby league was not welcomed by Leslie’s loving Mother, who being a very keen follower of rugby union did not want her son Leslie playing “that” professional game which was not seen as a “gentleman’s game”.

It is told that his Mum was so determined in her belief that she burnt Leslie’s South Sydney jersey and socks (colours of South Sydney Federals) under the then gas coppers exclaiming “you’re not going to play that game” !!!

Despite all odds he continued to play rugby league for the South Sydney Federals and captained the Club to two 2nd Grade Premiership wins in 1912 & 1913.

In the team photo Leslie is in the middle of the second row holding the football of the 1913 team. Leslie joined the AIF and fought in France during 1916-1918 and upon his return married Vera May HANSEN in 1919.

Leslie passed away in 1956.

We sincerely thank Kevin SKELSEY for sharing this history of his Dad’s playing days and the important role he played in the formation of the game of rugby league in the South Sydney District.

The information/photos were supplied by Leslie’s son Kevin SKELSEY on a recent visit to the NRL Museum , whilst he was talking to Fred JACKSON; I have spoken to Kevin and is happy for the story/photos to appear on our website.

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