NRL 2023: Queensland legend John “Cracker’’ McDonald passes away, aged 79

Qld rugby league legend John ‘Cracker’ McDonald, who died on Wednesday afternoon, loved State of Origin so much he kept a secret treasure from the first match.

Toowoomba Rugby League legend, John McDonald talks about State of Origin.

John “Cracker’’ McDonald loved Queensland’s first State of Origin match so much he kept a secret treasure from it with him for life.

Toowoomba-based McDonald, 79, who died late on Wednesday afternoon, was a former outstanding centre who played 13 Tests for Australia before coaching Queensland in the iconic first State of Origin match at Suncorp Stadium when the Maroons beat NSW 20-10.

Historian Michael Nunn revealed McDonald never parted with the track suit he wore in camp as coach of the first Maroons side of 1980 and one of his sons recently wore it in a photograph.

This did not surprise foundation State of Origin centre Chris Close.

“I actually roomed with Cracker in camp for that match because Origin did not have the funds it has today,’’ Close said on Thursday.

John ‘Cracker’ McDonald died on Wednesday afternoon.

“He was a great man. He was a great pioneer for the game, not just in Origin but being one of the first Queensland footballers to do south and play for Manly before returning to Queensland.

“He was a great mentor. I enjoyed rooming with him and our only difference of opinion came with what time we should wake up. He was an early riser and I was the opposite. He would get up and make a cup of tea and it was that noisy it was as if the fire brigade was going through the joint.’’

McDonald spent 20 years as chairman of the QRL where his alliance with his former Toowoomba Grammar School classmate Ross Livermore was one of the most effective administrative partnerships the Queensland game has seen.

Rugby league legend John McDonald aka Cracker McDonald with son Geoff McDonald. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Also the first Queenslander to become chairman of the ARL, McDonald made a greater contribution to the game’s administration than any other former player.

“John was quite simply a remarkable individual who touched the lives of so many people around him,” current QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher said.

“His achievements within the game are unrivalled. Not only did he play and coach at elite level, but he dedicated many years to rugby league administration, from the grassroots to the international game.

“The QRL expresses its deepest sympathy to his family, friends and all in the rugby league community, who are deeply saddened by his passing.”

McDonald was also a professional runner who came close to claiming the world professional record for 440 yards, winning the Gilgandra Gift and the 880 yards at the Bendigo Gift in 1966.

Our deepest condolences to the family of the great John McDonald ❤️

Manly Captain 1970, 62 games. First @QLDmaroons State of Origin Coach

Rest in Peace, John 🦅#193https://t.co/cZ4zkynmro

— Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (@SeaEagles) September 13, 2023

RIP John McDonald, Queensland’s first Origin coach and ARL chairman during the Super League year. A fantastic fella.

— âš¡Steve Mascord☠️ (@SteveMascord) September 13, 2023

Rest in peace John McDonald. A wonderful man you contributed so much to rugby league. I send my condolences to his family and many friends. Farewell Cracker. @QLDmaroons@HostplusCup

— Peter Psaltis (@peterp79) September 13, 2023

Lured to Manly in 1969, McDonald played 62 games for the Sea Eagles, scoring 30 tries and captaining the club in their 23-12 loss to South Sydney in the grand final in which John Sattler famously played with a broken jaw.

McDonald’s talent shone early and he played as a 19-year-old in the prestigious Bulimba Cup intercity competition for Toowoomba in 1964.

Though his Toowoomba club Valleys were disappointed to lose him to Manly the $14,000 transfer fee they received for his services enabled them to buy land for their ground which was ultimately named after him.

McDonald played 10 games for Queensland from 1965-68 and four for NSW from 1969-70.