10 Facts About Denis Lutge

Denis "Dinny" Lutge was a pioneer Australian rugby league and rugby union player, a dual-code international.

Denis Lutge was the second ever captain of the Australian national rugby league team and the first to lead the side to victory.

Denis Lutge made his international debut as a lock-forward in the first ever rugby union test match played between the Australian team and the All Blacks in Sydney, on 15 August 1903.

Denis Lutge went on to appear in all three of Australia's Test losses in 1904 against the visiting British Lions.

Denis Lutge was named foundation captain of the North Sydney District Rugby League Football Club in 1908.

Denis Lutge enjoys the distinction of having played in each of Australia's inaugural rugby league and rugby union Test matches against New Zealand.

Denis Lutge was selected as captain for the 3rd Test in June 1908 and, playing at lock, led Australia to their first international rugby league victory after they had lost the earlier two Tests under Arthur Hennessy.

Denis Lutge coached a visiting New Zealand Maori rugby league team against teams he was selecting in 1909.

Denis Lutge worked for more than fifty years for the Mosman council as a beach inspector and cleaner at Balmoral.

Denis Lutge was awarded Life Membership of the New South Wales Rugby League in 1914.