Allan McMahon

Collegians fullback in the I’warra competition was signed by Balmain after representing Country in 1974. A robust fullback or centre Allan McMahon played most of his representative football on the wing (Graeme Eadie was the reigning Test fullback), including World Series appearances in 1975 and 1977. McMahon spent a season with Featherstone Rovers in England and twice toured NZ - with NSW Country in 1974 and a Combined Sydney side in 1976. In 1978 he achieved his highest rep honour with selection on the Kangaroo Tour but his career did not yield a Test appearance. McMahon overcame two serious injuries (thigh, collarbone) to play his final years with Newtown (1982) and as the captain of Canberra (1983) before retiring. As Newcastle's first coach his resignation midway through the 1991 season was an unfortunate ending to what can be seen as a highly successful initiation into the premiership for the Knights. In 1996 McMahon signed as I’warra coach but the move was not a success and his contract was paid out before its completion. McMahon passed away suddenly in May 2003, aged just 48.