Denis Donoghue

Who is Denis Donoghue?

Denis Donoghue was an Australian rugby league footballer who played for South Sydney during the years of 1948–1957.

South Sydney 171 games

New South Wales 10 games

Australia 2 Tests

One of the toughest and most brutal players to ever play the game, Donoghue was also one of the best front rowers in the code. A rock-solid defender and strong runner of the ball, his specialty was scrummaging. He is regarded as one of Australia's greatest ever scrummagers. He was also peerless as an enforcer. Donoghue was selected to represent Sydney against France during their 1951 tour of Australasia in a match that ended in a 19-all draw. He debuted for Australia in 1951 against the touring French side, and was selected for the Kangaroo Tour in 1952. He broke his leg on the first trial and missed all six Test matches. He stood down from Test representative duties following it.

He was the backbone of a South Sydney pack that participated in 7 consecutive Grand Finals, winning 6 of them.

After his career, he coached and later became president of the South Sydney club during 1962–1972.

Denis Reginald Donoghue died in December 1993.