The FOGS join the rugby league community today in offering their deepest condolences to John “Cracker” McDonald’s family following his peaceful passing overnight, aged 79.
McDonald, born and educated in Toowoomba in 1944, was a beacon of Queensland rugby league as a distinguished player, coach, and charismatic administrator.
He served as Chairman of both the Queensland and Australian Rugby Leagues and was on the Board of directors of the ARL.
McDonald (AM) was a life member of the Queensland Rugby League (QRL).
He leaves an indelible mark and a lasting legacy on the game, particularly in Queensland where he was so widely loved and respected.
Tributes began flooding in for McDonald from all parts of the world today, headed by QRL Chairman and long-time friend, Bruce Hatcher.
“John was quite simply a remarkable and unique individual who touched the lives of so many people around him,” said Hatcher.
“His achievements within the game were unrivaled.”
McDonald was Queensland’s first State of Origin coach in 1980.
Together with another Maroon great and rugby league immortal, Arthur Beetson, they led an underdog Maroons into battle at Lang Park on an historic July night 43 years ago, that changed rugby league in Queensland forever.
A tall, powerful, athletic, smooth-moving three-quarter, McDonald started his rugby league journey with Toowoomba Valleys as a 16-year-old in 1960.
He was signed by Manly in 1969 and scored 30 tries in 62 games for the seaside club.
A fleet-footed runner, McDonald won a number of country gift races and as a young man held a world record over 440 yards.
McDonald played 10 games for Queensland (1965-1968) four interstate games for NSW (1969-70) and 13 Tests for Australia (1966-1970) and represented his country on 28 occasions.
He captained Manly in the infamous Grand Final 23-12 loss to South Sydney when John Sattler had his jaw broken.
Wally Lewis, Chris Close and Mal Meninga were among the young members of his 1980 Origin originals who on a chilly night at Lang Park 43 years ago, gave birth to what is now rugby league’s jewel in the crown – Origin.
“My dad used to talk about Cracker when I was growing up and would say: ‘he was something else’,” said Lewis when told of McDonald’s passing
“He’d used to say the modern day players weren’t as good as Cracker.
“To learn about the legend from my father and then to play and be coached by him in the first State of Origin game was very special.
“I know for me, Mal (Meninga) and Choppy (Chris Close) as kids of the side, we got the opportunity to understand what the legend was about and to learn from the best.
“We all had great respect for him but we were also playing under Arthur (Beetson).
“Cracker was very dry-witted and at times could very serious but there was always a bit of humour attached and he was extremely knowledgeable.
“He didn’t mind a red wine either.
“I can still hear Cracker’s final words and advice before the big game which filled me with self-confidence.
“Arthur respected McDonald and he let him tell the players what he wanted but would assume control when when we took the field to play.
“Just before the game, Cracker came over to me and said; ‘there may be a few people questioning your place in the team, but you’ve got my full confidence. The selector’s would not have picked you if they didn’t think you could play’.”
“You’ll be out there with the best ball player there has ever been in the history of the game (Beetson), so just enjoy it.”
Close, who turned in an inspiring man-of-the-match for McDonald, recalled how “fit and athletic” looked as Queensland’s coach in 1980.
“I didn’t know him back then but obviously I knew he had played down in Sydney and played for Queensland and Australia. I knew he was from Toowoomba.
“As it turned out I was his roommate for that Origin game in 1980, which was an unusual arrangement back in those days.
“He was a really good bloke, very calm and chilled out, impressive to be around.”
Close said McDonald had a “bit of bushie and a bit of comic” in him and could make people laugh.
“He was a great Queenslander who has left a big footprint on the game. He fought hard against the ARL and the NRL for Queensland when he had to go into battle.
“He was an eloquent negotiator and a formidable leader for the game in Queensland.
He never took a backward step.
“Along with the late Senator Ron McAuliffe, probably the most intelligent man I ever met in rugby league and the ultimate politician, McDonald brought credibility to the position having been a highly decorated player for Queensland and Australia.
“There weren’t many people who wouldn’t tell you Cracker McDonald wasn’t’ a good player.
“He was a big man with a ton of speed, a big heart and he hit hard.
“I never saw him get angry or rant and rave, he was very level headed.
“He was a deliberate speaker, he never wasted words.
“He will be sadly missed by his family, by rugby league and by the Toowoomba community to which he gave so much.
McDonald is survived by his wife Joan and children and grandchildren.
