Lionel Morgan was a pioneering rugby league player who gained admiration for his accomplishments both on and off the field.
With two Test matches in the 1960 home series against France and a trip to England for the World Cup at the end of the year, Morgan was the first Indigenous man to play rugby league for Australia.
He was a Wynnum Manly Seagulls footballer who played in 150 first-grade games between 1959 and 1967. He was a Tweed Seagulls club product. In Queensland, he was a one-club player.
Because of his six tries against Souths at Davies Park in 1964, he continues to retain the club record for the most tries in a single game. Between 1965 to 1967, he served as Wynnum’s captain and coach.
Lionel Morgan (rugby) children: Meet David Morgan, Bradley Morgan , Earl Morgan & Chris Morgan
His four kids, David, Bradley, Earl, and Chris, all played for the club when he retired as a player, and he continued to be an active member of the Wynnum Manly Rugby League community.
Many Indigenous athletes were undoubtedly motivated by him because of his prominence in the sport to pursue their goals on the playing grounds or in the larger community.