Frank McMillan

Parramatta junior Frank McMillan enjoyed a long and fruitful career at the top level. He joined Western Suburbs in 1921 and, over the next 15 seasons — apart from one season with Balmain in 1925 — became an institution at Wests.

He also developed into the finest Australian custodian of his time and modernised the role of the fullback.

Apart from having the usual fullback qualities of sure defence, safe hands and a kicking game, McMillan injected himself into the attack more than any previous player in that position, thus establishing a blueprint for his successors.

He first played for NSW in 1922, but had to wait until 1929 before gaining recognition from national selectors.

McMillan was outstanding in all four Tests on the 1929–30 Kangaroo tour, many rating him the superior of his opposite, the great Jim Sullivan.

He appeared in all three Tests against Great Britain in Australia in 1932 and had the honour of leading the 1933–34 'Roos, when he made the last of his nine Test appearances.

McMillan helped Wests to premiership wins in 1930 and 1934, before retiring in 1935. He later coached at Wests and held the reins at Parramatta in their inaugural premiership season in 1947.