Toowoomba rugby league legend, former QRL chairman John ‘Cracker’ McDonald passes away
Tributes have flowed from family and friends for Queensland’s inaugural State of Origin coach and Toowoomba rugby league icon John ‘Cracker’ McDonald. His legacy here.
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John “Cracker” McDonald was a giant of Toowoomba, Queensland and Australian rugby league who helped turn the state into the sport’s powerhouse.
The celebrated former Kangaroo and the Maroon’s inaugural State of Origin coach passed away peacefully on Wednesday, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
He was 79.
Along with his incredible achievements in rugby league, McDonald was also a Toowoomba identity with a successful printing business.
He and his wife Joan were also heavily involved in community groups and organisations, arguably most prominently the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland.
Son Geoff McDonald, Toowoomba’s mayor, described his father as a gentle man who what “fair but decisive”.
“He was the most gentle human that I’ve met — never once raised his voice to mum or any of us,” Geoff said.
“Cracker possessed a unique presence, both physically and emotionally, that drew people in.
“His warmth and genuine care for others made him someone people always wanted to be around.
“He had a remarkable ability to listen, understand, and provide comfort to those in need.”
Known as a lanky but powerful centre during his playing days, he represented Valleys in the Toowoomba Rugby League before signing with powerhouse NSWRL club Manly-Warringah in 1969.
His $14,000 transfer fee helped pay for the ground Valleys still plays at today.
McDonald scored 30 tries for the Sea Eagles until 1971 (including captaining the club in 1970), while also notching 12 interstate caps for Queensland and NSW and 13 tests for Australia.
He will forever be remembered as Queensland’s first State of Origin coach, winning the inaugural match in 1980 while mentoring greats like Mal Meninga, Artie Beetson and Wally Lewis.
But arguably his greatest contribution to rugby league was as an administrator, succeeding Ken Arthurson as chairman of the Australian Rugby League in 1998 before chairing the Queensland Rugby League until 2012.
QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher called McDonald a “remarkable individual”.
“His achievements within the game are unrivalled,” he said.
“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.”
QRL chief executive Ben Ikin, who first met McDonald when he was selected for the Maroons in 1995, said he held incredible insight into the game.
“He’s a genuine rugby league lifer — a player, coach and administrator and rugby league is better in this country and this state for the contribution of John,” he said.
“The thing I liked about Cracker is he knew rugby league in his bones, you could talk about the big issues in the game because what he was passing on was borne out of experience.
“Rugby league (off the field) is hyper-competitive and political, so for someone to have the tenure that Cracker did, you have to grow and evolve while standing for what you believe in.”
Geoff said his father was a stoic individual during his career in rugby league, approaching challenges with the same positive nature.
“In addition to his compassionate spirit, Cracker was known for his fairness and decisiveness,” he said.
“He approached every situation with an open mind, seeking the truth and ensuring justice prevailed.
“His unwavering respect for others was a testament to his character, and it remained a defining quality until the very end.”
How Cracker made Valleys what it is today
While his impact on rugby league is unquestioned, Valleys president Gary de Joux said McDonald helped turn the club a powerhouse from the 1960s through to the present day.
“Cracker was truly inspirational to all the Valleys members and he was the main reason why Valleys now has a home ground,” he said.
“It was all due to John’s ability to play football. His contribution to rugby league all over the world is unmatched.
“He was the nicest person you’ll ever meet, always had time for a chat, and contributed to the rugby league community in so many ways.”
Mr de Joux said it was fitting a player at this weekend’s TRL grand final night would receive the John “Cracker” McDonald Medal.
“Valleys owes an incredible debt to Cracker that will never be repaid,” he said.
“We have named the ground after him and it will always be named that.”
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