Andrew Willis (rugby league)

Andrew Willis is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played for the Western Suburbs Magpies in the 1990s. He played in a number of backline positions

Andrew Willis
Personal information
Born (1973-06-23) 23 June 1973
Australia
Playing information
PositionCentre, Five-eighth, Halfback
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1993–97 Western Suburbs 60 11 20 1 85
As of 31 May 2019
Source: [1]

Club career

A Cootamundra junior,[2] Willis made his debut for Wests in 1993, originally playing either second-row or starting from the bench.[3] Throughout 1994 & 1995, Willis played five-eighth, but was unable to play more than a dozen games a season.

Willis is perhaps best remembered for kicking a 48-metre field goal to win a game against the North Sydney Bears in 1996,[4] one of the longest of the modern era. Willis played every game of the 1996 season, and played in the semifinals,[3] which was to be the Magpies last ever semis appearance.

Willis only played a further 10 games. He later stated his retirement was due to, "a couple of injuries," and not, "training as hard as I could."[5] He was only 24 when he returned to playing local football with Camden.[5] He captain-coached them to a premiership in 2000, scoring a try in what was described as a star performance.[6] He represented Country Seconds that year.[7]

Later, Willis coached for Greater Southern[8] & the Western Suburbs Magpies SG Ball side.[9]

References
  1. "Andrew Willis - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
  2. "Bidgee Region". LeagueNet. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  3. "Matches played for the Western Suburbs Magpies". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  4. Stuart Honeysett (10 July 2010). "Benji Marshall magic shines on spite night". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 July 2010.
  5. "look who we bumped into". Footy Confidential. Sydney, NSW: News Limited (16 July 2010): 47.
  6. Paul Suttor (8 February 2014). "Picton pushed aside as Rams raid G6 crown". Illawarra Mercury. Retrieved 5 September 2013.
  7. Ben Drzyzga (21 April 2000). "O'Doherty racks up another milestone". Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  8. Tim Keeble (9 May 2009). "Limited preparation no discomfort for Willis". Illawarra Mercury. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  9. "MAGPIES OUT OF HAROLD MATTHEWS & SG BALL FINALS". rleague.com. Archived from the original on 5 May 2006. Retrieved 19 July 2010.

Sources
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