Scott Gale (rugby league)

Scott Gale (1965-2004) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He played for the Western Suburbs, Eastern Suburbs, Balmain, North Sydney and the Canberra Raiders in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition and Hull F.C. in England. His sister Tarsha Gale was the first captain of NSW in Women's Rugby League.[2]

Scott Gale
Personal information
Full nameScott Owen Charles Gale
Born(1965-02-10)10 February 1965
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Died22 March 2004(2004-03-22) (aged 39)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Playing information
PositionHalfback, Centre, Five-eighth
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1983 Western Suburbs 16 5 0 0 20
1984 Eastern Suburbs 19 2 0 0 8
1985–88 Balmain 99 35 0 3 143
1989–90 North Sydney 26 3 1 1 15
1991–92 Canberra Raiders 20 3 1 0 14
1987–93 Hull F.C. 30 10 0 0 40
Total 210 58 2 4 240
As of 10 April 2019
Source: [1]

Background

Gale was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and was the son of 1958 Commonwealth Games sprinter Terry Gale. His brother Brett played for Western Suburbs, Eastern Suburbs and North Sydney.

Playing career

Gale made his first grade debut for Western Suburbs against Eastern Suburbs in Round 1 1983 at the Sydney Sports Ground scoring a try in a 29-6 loss. Gale would go on to play 16 games for Wests as the club finished last on the table claiming the wooden spoon.

The following season in 1984, Gale joined Eastern Suburbs and played a total of 19 games in his one and only season there as the club finished second last on the table. In 1985, Gale joined Balmain and became a regular starter in the team usually playing at halfback as the club became a constant finals presence.

In 1988, Gale switched to the centres as Balmain reached the grand final against Canterbury-Bankstown that season. Gale played from the bench in the 1988 NSWRL grand final as Canterbury won 24-12. In 1989, Gale joined North Sydney spending 2 unsuccessful seasons at the club before switching to the Canberra Raiders.

In his first year at Canberra, Gale played 12 games as the club reached the 1991 NSWRL grand final against the Penrith Panthers. Gale played from the bench as Canberra went into half time with a 12-6 lead. Late in the second half, Canberra attempted to regain possession and Gale tried a short goal line drop out. The ball was pounced on by Penrith player Mark Geyer who passed the ball to Royce Simmons who scored the match winning try.

Gale played on in 1992 but only managed a further 8 appearances before leaving Canberra. Gale then returned to England to play with Hull F.C. in 1993 who he had played with in the late 1980s during the off season. Gale retired at the end of the 1993 season.[3]

Death

After his playing career finished, Gale was later diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. He died on 22 March 2004.[4][5]

gollark: They're "smart" now and therefore evil.
gollark: I don't like TVs.
gollark: No.
gollark: I play minecraft on one and it works fine.
gollark: Try removing your back.

References
  1. "Scott Gale - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". Rugbyleagueproject.org.
  2. "Tarsha Gale To Play Curtain Raiser In Round 3". www.roosters.com.au.
  3. Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. (1995 edition) ISBN 1875169571
  4. "Ex-league player Scott Gale dies". www.smh.com.au.
  5. "Brisbane To Manufacture Trial Drug For Motor Neurone Disease". www.southernthunderer.com.au.
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