Toowoomba league remembers legendary John ‘Cracker’ McDonald

ONE YEAR ON: Toowoomba rugby league community honours legendary player and administrator John ‘Cracker’ McDonald whose hard work and passion changed the face of the game.

Jess Fitzgibbons, Joan, Geoff and Lisa McDonald remember John 'Cracker' McDonald one year after his death.

When Jess Fitzgibbons runs onto Toowoomba Sports Ground this Saturday there will be a hint of sadness in her heart.

The thrill, pride and excitement of being in the Toowoomba Rugby League Women’s grand final will be offset ever so slightly by the fact the decider will mark one and a day since the death of her grandfather – legendary rugby league player and administrator John ‘Cracker’ McDonald.

“Being a year since Pop passed it is pretty emotional,” Fitzgibbons said.

“But I am super excited and proud to have that name on my shoulder

“Pop was an amazing player and being able to carry on and try to follow what he has done, I’ll never be as good as him but I’m also trying.

“He was an amazing man.”

Fitzgibbons’ Highfields Eagles will attempt to break Gatton’s dominance with the Hawks chasing a fourth straight premiership.

There will be more than few familiar faces in the crowd for Fitzgibbons with her grandmother and John’s wife Joan supporting her as well her uncles Geoff and Jim McDonald.

Jim loyalties however will be divided with the Member for Lockyer backing the Gatton Hawks.

Rugby league legend John McDonald aka Cracker McDonald with son Toowoomba Regional Council mayor Geoff McDonald. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Adding further ‘complication’ to the issue is the fact John was a proud Valleys man with Roosters Pillar Street ground recently renamed in his honour and Geoff won an A-grade premiership with Valleys in 1992.

“This will be the first grand final without day,” Toowoomba Regional Council mayor Geoff McDonald said.

“The great honour is knowing that there will be an award presented again this year, the first time dad will not be here for it, the John Cracker McDonald Medal for the best and fairest in the A-grade final.

“It’s always been something dad was very proud of to present that medal so we will have mum there and other family members to present that medal.

“There will be a touch of sadness but I can guarantee you dad will be looking on as he did at many grand final days making sure everyone enjoys the day.

“That was the ultimate (for him) irrespective of the outcome that the games were played in the right spirit and everyone enjoys themselves.”