The St George Illawarra Dragons are deeply saddened at the passing of the last remaining player from the Club’s first Premiership winning squad in 1941, Bill Collier.
Born in Kogarah on June 27, 1921, Collier passed away peacefully overnight aged 94.
Collier played both centre and lock forward in 28 first-grade games for the Red V between 1941 and 1943.
Collier was a part of the Australian Army between 1942 and 1946, serving in New Guinea and the island of Borneo during World War II and has been a prominent figure in the traditional ceremony ahead of the annual ANZAC Day match against the Sydney Roosters.
The Player of the Match each ANZAC Day receives a medal named in his honour, in recognition of his services to both rugby league and Australia. The Ashton Collier Spirit of ANZAC Medal acknowledges the services both on and off the field of Collier and the late Ferris Ashton who played for Eastern Suburbs and also served in Australia’s Armed Forces.
The Dragons extend their condolences to the family of Bill Collier.
