Bill Shankland

Who was Bill Shankland?

William Shankland was one of Australia's great all-round sportsmen. An Australia national and New South Wales state representative three-quarter back, he played his club football in Sydney, country New South Wales and then in England, where he became a Warrington Hall of Fame inductee. Shankland remained in England and became a renowned golfer and golf teacher.

Shankland was born in Sydney, New South Wales. He is said to have been an accomplished swimmer, boxer and cricketer, as well as footballer. Shankland played for the Glebe and Eastern Suburbs clubs in rugby league. While playing for Glebe in 1928, the 21-year-old was selected to make his state debut, the following year, moving to the Eastern Suburbs club, Shankland was selected for the 1929–30 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain. The winger played in all 4 test matches and was the leading try scorer on the tour with 24.

On tour, Shankland was pursued by English clubs but returned to Australia, captain-coaching Leeton's club in the Riverina.

The 'fleet of foot' wing-threequarter made 231 appearances for that club, scoring 74 tries and 70 goals.