Owen McCarthy

Eugene Sylvester 'Owen' McCarthy (1882-1940) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1910s. He played for South Sydney and Balmain in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition. He later became the coach of the club in the mid-1920s. Background McCarthy was born in Eden, New South Wales and played rugby union for Surry Hills and South Sydney in his early years. McCarthy also played for Alexandria in the South Sydney district rugby league competition. Playing career Despite being a Souths junior, McCarthy made his first grade debut for Balmain in Round 1 1911 against Newtown at the Sydney Sports Ground. Balmain would go on to finish last in 1911, one of only 4 times the club would finish last in its entire history. In 1912, McCarthy joined South Sydney. In 1914, McCarthy played 13 games as Souths won the premiership losing only 2 games all year.