The Queensland Rugby League fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its finest rugby league forwards, Harold 'Mick' Crocker.
The former Souths star passed away today, just three days short of his 87th birthday.
Crocker played 17 Tests for Australia between 1950 and 1955 and 19 games for Queensland.
Many good judges considered him to be an unlucky omission from the Queensland Team of the Century named in 2008. Ironically, it was another champion of the Souths club in Bob Lindner who squeezed Crocker out of the lock forward position.
Crocker played most of his club football for Souths in Brisbane, walking from his West End home to Davies Park to turn out for the Magpies.
In 1955 he signed with Parramatta, and maintained his hold on the Test lock position for the series against France.
Crocker toured Britain and France with the 1952-53 Kangaroos and also played in the inaugural World Cup in France in 1954.
He made his Test debut against Great Britain at the Gabba in 1950 after Australia had been beaten 6-4 in the series opener in Sydney.
His relentless tackling helped pave the way for Australia's 15-3 win in the return encounter.
In the decider at the SCG, Crocker started the movement which led to the winning try by Australian winger Ron Roberts.
Australia's 5-2 win saw them claim the Ashes Trophy for the first time in 30 years, with Roberts' try regarded as one of the greatest moments in the code's history.
In retirement Crocker enjoyed a game of golf and the company of his mates, and he was a much loved member of the Men of League charitable organisation.
In recent months he had been residing at a nursing home at Maleny.
- With Steve Ricketts
