Ellis Rugby Malcolm Reilly Podcast Episode 6 with Special Guest Malcolm Reilly former Castleford Tigers, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Great Britain Rugby League player. Lance Todd Trophy Winner, back to back Challenge Cup Winner. Australia Premiership back to back winner. Ashes Series winner.

The sixth episode of the Ellis Rugby Podcast. Ellis Rugby Founder Kevin Ellis interviews the outstanding Malcolm Reilly.

Ellis Rugby Malcolm Reilly’s Career in Rugby League

Malcolm Reilly won the Challenge Cup with his team Castleford in 1969 by defeating Salford 11-6 at Wembley Stadium in front of 97,939 on Saturday 17th May. He dominated the game and was quite rightly voted Man of the Match winning the Lance Todd Trophy. A year later he was once again a key member of the Castleford Tigers team that defeated Wigan 7-2 in the 1969–70 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 9 May 1970, in front of a crowd of 95,255.

In 2014 Malcolm Reilly was inducted in to the Rugby League Hall of Fame.

Ellis Rugby Malcolm Reilly Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and Great Britain Ashes Winner

Fiery, superbly gifted Great Britain lock, had a tumultuous career with Manly before returning to Australia in the 1990s to find grand final success as coach of Newcastle. Reilly was the spearhead in Great Britain’s Ashes win in Australia in 1970 and his services were quickly snapped up by Manly for the then record transfer fee of $30,000.

The Castleford forward immediately created headlines. Reilly was a magnificent ball-player with a great chip-kick but was not backward in his clashes with his opponents and his aggression did not endear him to all Australian fans. He was sent off on several controversial occasions and was constantly troubled by knee problems but there was no denying his genius with the ball. Reilly played in Manly’s maiden grand final win in 1972 but lasted only 25 minutes of the 1973 decider after suffering a kidney injury after being hit with a late tackle.

After his retirement, he started a successful career as Great Britain coach and proved himself to be thoroughly professional and progressive. In three Test series against Australia under his coaching, Great Britain managed to win a Test against the reigning world champions but the Ashes eluded him during his coaching career.

In 1994, Reilly relinquished his position at Halifax to come to Australia and take on that role with Newcastle. In 1995, at the height of the Super League war, he was signed by the ARL to a five-year loyalty agreement. Two years later, he orchestrated Newcastle’s miraculous last-minute win over Manly in the Optus Cup grand final.

Ellis Rugby Clothing ranges

We offer a number of shirts inspired by Malcolm Reilly and his time at Castleford, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and playing for Great Britain.

Great Listen to Ellis Rugby Malcolm Reilly Podcast

It is a fascinating listen. Malcolm covers his career including the highs of back-to-back Castleford Challenge Cup victories in 1969 and 1970. And his move to Australia where he collected back-to-back NRL Premiership victories in 1972 and 1973. In addition he talks about the Great Britain Rugby League Lions Ashes winning Tour of 1970, including the court case following a punch-up in a Sydney bar.
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He doesn’t shy away from any issues, covers the brutal aspects of the game in the 1970s, life in Sydney,  as well as his coaching insights. Interesting listen for players, coaches and fans of the game of Rugby League.

To Listen to the Podcast – CLICK HERE