Mr Graham Cooke

Nanango born and Toowoomba bred Rugby Union forward Graham Cooke became the first Australian to play against all the then major rugby playing countries of the world when selected in 1947 at 35 years of age for the Wallabies end of year tour to the British Isles and France, being selected against the French and the four home nations.

He played 13 tests for Australia and after debuting at 20 against the All Blacks in 1932 in the first Bledisloe Cup series in Australia. The tough, raw boned Cooke with the huge hands was in the first Australian side ever to visit South Africa in 1933, excelling in the lineout in the two tests won by the Wallabies. He remained there from 1934 to 1937, representing Transvaal and holding his own with the just as tough Africa forwards of the day.

After World War 2, he toured New Zealand in 1946 before the 47-48 tour, setting a then record for longevity as a representative player for his state and country.

Graham Cooke passed away at 84 years of age in 1996.