AUSTRALIAN rugby league legend Harry “Dealer” Wells celebrated his 94th birthday on Friday 8 May at Flynns Beach Cellars and General Store, which he has owned since 1970.
Harry – the oldest living Kangaroo – was the 49th inductee to the National Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2007.
He came from Wollongong in 1951 to play with South Sydney and was in the team that defeated Manly 42–14 in the grand-final that year.
Harry then returned to the Illawarra and won selection in the 1952–53 Kangaroos side, making the first of his 21 Test appearances at Headingley in the opening game of the series.
According to the NRL Hall of Fame, Harry was a dominating figure in the third Test against Great Britain in 1954.
He scored the try that sent the Australians on their way to the Ashes.
Well known for his ability to break the line, Harry was a popular footballer.
He returned to Sydney in 1956 to join Wests and stayed six seasons with the Magpies, appearing in 85 games and scoring 33 tries.
He played in three World Cups and made a second Kangaroo tour in 1959–60.
His career in professional football ended in 1961, but he continued playing, finishing up in Port Macquarie in 1972, at age 40, as captain-coach of the Port Macquarie Sharks.
Tracy Wells, Harry’s daughter-in-law, said, “When Harry went on tour he had to go by boat – an eight month trip all round.
“He played for Wests but his game numbers are not as high as they should be because of the long tours.
“Yvonne and their three kids had to rent their house out and move back in with her parents to survive.
“They would get a small allowance which would be sent home monthly, but nothing like what players are paid today.”
Locals gathered at the table outside the shop on Friday afternoon to chat with Harry and his wife Yvonne.
Matthew Hohnberg used to visit English rugby league legend Phil Jackson in Wagga, and he shared some photos and stories of Phil with Harry.
Harry played against Phil Jackson in England and also some “bush” football here in Australia.
Jill Gain knew Harry and Yvonne through a local walking group and she has enjoyed many chats about football over the years with Harry.
Councillor Nik Lipovac also joined the crowd of well-wishers along with Tom Lockwood who has worked in the shop for many years.
By Pauline CAIN
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