Andrew Willis (born 23 June 1973) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played for the Western Suburbs Magpies in the 1990s. He played in a number of backline positions
Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 23 June 1973 Australia | |||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Centre, Five-eighth, Halfback | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: [1] As of 31 May 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Club career
editA Cootamundra junior,[2] Willis made his debut for Wests in 1993, originally playing either second-row or starting from the bench.[3] Throughout 1994 & 1995, Willis played five-eighth, but was unable to play more than a dozen games a season.
Willis is perhaps best remembered for kicking a 48-metre field goal to win a game against the North Sydney Bears in 1996,[4] one of the longest of the modern era. Willis played every game of the 1996 season, and played in the semifinals,[3] which was to be the Magpies last ever semis appearance.
Willis only played a further 10 games. He later stated his retirement was due to, "a couple of injuries," and not, "training as hard as I could."[5] He was only 24 when he returned to playing local football with Camden.[5] He captain-coached them to a premiership in 2000, scoring a try in what was described as a star performance.[6] He represented Country Seconds that year.[7]
Later, Willis coached for Greater Southern[8] & the Western Suburbs Magpies SG Ball side.[9]
References
edit- ^ "Andrew Willis - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
- ^ "Bidgee Region". LeagueNet. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
- ^ a b "Matches played for the Western Suburbs Magpies". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
- ^ Stuart Honeysett (10 July 2010). "Benji Marshall magic shines on spite night". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
- ^ a b "look who we bumped into". Footy Confidential (16 July 2010). Sydney, NSW: News Limited: 47.
- ^ Paul Suttor (8 February 2014). "Picton pushed aside as Rams raid G6 crown". Illawarra Mercury. Retrieved 5 September 2013.
- ^ Ben Drzyzga (21 April 2000). "O'Doherty racks up another milestone". Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
- ^ Tim Keeble (9 May 2009). "Limited preparation no discomfort for Willis". Illawarra Mercury. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
- ^ "MAGPIES OUT OF HAROLD MATTHEWS & SG BALL FINALS". rleague.com. Archived from the original on 5 May 2006. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
Sources
edit- Alan Whiticker & Glen Hudson (2007). The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. Wetherill Park, New South Wales: Gary Allen Pty Ltd. ISBN 978-1-877082-93-1.