George MacDonald

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George MacDonald was a rugby league player.  His short but outstanding rugby league career in the 1950s is an achievement befitting his recognition in the Cambridge Sports Walk of Fame.

Born in Scotland in 1934, George and his family moved to Cambridge when he was a youngster.  He proved a versatile and outstanding sportsman playing top level softball, table tennis, tennis, rugby, swimming and cricket.

George attended Ardmore Teachers College in 1952 and turned his sporting ability to rugby league with almost instant success.

In 1953 he was selected to play for South Auckland against Great Britain. The following year George was selected for the Kiwis to play in the World Cup in France and played tests against Australia and Great Britain.

In 1954 George was the first choice 2nd row player in the two home tests against France.  He toured Great Britain in 1955-56 playing in 22 matches including the three tests.

George pulled on the Kiwi jersey 26 times including seven tests, but unfortunately health problems prompted his early retirement at age 23 and his untimely death in 1978.

League commentators regard George MacDonald as an outstanding Kiwi player who achieved much during his relatively brief playing career that was unfortunately cut short by ill-health.