Ever heard of a footballer so good they changed the rules because of him? That’s the legacy we celebrate here at the Herbert Henry Messenger Plaque. This plaque commemorates Herbert Henry Messenger. But he was better known as “Dally” Messenger.
Let’s step back in time to Double Bay in the late 19th century. Dally was born into a family of athletes. Sport was a huge part of the local culture. Double Bay produced many sporting greats. But Dally Messenger’s name stands out. Even today, he is a legend. Both rugby and rugby league recognize his achievements. Rugby historians call him “a rugby genius”. Rugby League hails him as “The Master”.
Dally’s international fame boosted Australia’s status as a sporting nation. His move to the new League movement in 1907 shaped the future of rugby. It also influenced rugby league and Australian Rules football.
Dally’s family background was impressive. His father and grandfather were champion scullers. Grandfather James Arthur Messenger was Champion of the Thames in 1854. Dally’s father, Charles, also had sporting victories. The family lived by the Thames in Teddington. James was a “waterman” and later a “Royal Bargeman”.
Charles Messenger moved to Victoria in 1875. He married Annie Frances Atkinson. Charles won the “Championship of Victoria” in sculling. By 1882, Charles had moved to Sydney. He was listed as a boat builder in Ryde. Dally was born in Balmain in 1883.
The Messenger family moved to Double Bay in 1885. Charles and his brother Herbert Henry started a boat building business. It became a marina. The business stayed in the family for eighty years. Dally attended Double Bay Public School. He excelled in sports. Cricketer Victor Trumper admired Dally’s skill. Legend says Dally even hit the Sydney Cricket Ground clock tower with a ball.
Dally worked in the family business after school. But football was always on his mind. He practiced diving into an old car tire. In games, he somersaulted over tacklers to score. Dally first played with the Warrigals. He later joined Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club in 1905.
Dally’s talent was clear. He became a star player. His defection to Rugby League in 1907 was a blow to Rugby Union. Dally was expelled from NSWRU. His name was removed from their records. It wasn’t until 2007 that they welcomed him back.
Victor Trumper and James Joseph Giltinan convinced Dally to switch to Rugby League. His mother also influenced his decision. She was concerned about the NSWRU’s compensation for injured players. Dally signed with Rugby League on August 16, 1907. The next day, he played in Australia’s first League match. He toured England with the “All Golds”.
Dally played for Eastern Suburbs from 1908 to 1913. He led the team to three premierships. Some say his move to League stopped Australian Rules football from spreading north.
Double Bay had many sports enthusiasts. Dally’s brother Wally also played football. Sid “Sandy” Pearce was a notable League player. Dally called him “the greatest hooker the world ever saw”. The community celebrated local sporting achievements.
Dally married Annie Macaulay in 1911. He scaled back his football career. He retired in 1913. Eastern Suburbs gave him the premiership shield.
After retiring, Dally tried banana farming and hotel-keeping. He later became a carpenter for the City Council. Despite his fame, he faced hard times. But he is still remembered as “The Master”.
Dally Messenger died in 1959. Crowds lined the streets for his funeral. His career was short but spectacular. He was known for long-range kicks and agility. He exploited loopholes in the rules. His tactics didn’t always please officials. But his dedication led to remarkable results. He holds records that stood for decades.
Dally’s likeness is on the Courtney Goodwill Trophy. A stand at the Sydney Cricket Ground is named after him. A bronze sculpture stands outside the Sydney Football Stadium. The Dally M Medal is awarded to the best player each season. He was inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2003. This plaque is a small reminder of a giant in Australian sport. It is the Herbert Henry Messenger Plaque.