Former Greats - Harry Caples /

Harry Caples

Harry Caples made his first grade debut at 18 and from that very first match it was obvious to all what a prodigious talent he was. He won a City Cup Championship in his first season of first grade, a year in which he played all but one match. In 1919 he made his debut for NSW, playing centre. With pace, finesse and kicking skills to go with his bulk and strength, the former St Joseph’s College schoolboy was selected for the 1921/22 Kangaroo tour where he played 24 matches and was five eighth, partnering Duncan Thompson, in the second and third tests against Great Britain.

However, despite his deeds for the Kangaroos, Caples is best remembered for his achievements in the 1923 season as captain of Easts, a season in which he also captained New South Wales. He was, by far, the best player in the competition, and led Easts to their fourth premiership success. He scored two tries in the title deciding Final against Glebe, in which Easts won 15-12. Easts lost three games all season and Caples was such a figure that by the end of that season he was sent to Victoria, and then Ipswich, by the governing body of the game, to help spread the code. He is the only man ever to captain New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. An extraordinary player!