John Smales
Jack Smales | |
|---|---|
| Born | early 1888 Wakefield area, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 18 October 1930 |
| Occupation(s) | Rugby league footballer, pub landlord |
| Years active | 1905–1920 |
| Known for | Playing for Hunslet, Great Britain Lions tour 1914 |
John "Jack" Smales (born early 1888 – 18 October 1930) was a professional English rugby league player who competed during the early 1900s. He represented Great Britain in non-test fixtures and also played for the Yorkshire county team. At the club level, his career included stints with Outwood Church ARLFC and Hunslet.
Background
Smales was a native of the Wakefield area in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England. Later in life, he took on the role of landlord at The Beehive pub located on Kirkgate in Wakefield. Tragically, at the age of 42, he suffered fatal injuries caused by accidental electrocution while managing a beer barrel in the cellar of the establishment.
Club career
Jack Smales began his tenure with Hunslet in 1905. His final appearance came on 2 April 1920, playing against York at Clarence Street, York. He was a member of the Hunslet squad that secured the prestigious All Four Cups during the 1907–08 Northern Rugby Football Union season.
International honours
During his time at Hunslet, Smales earned selection for the 1914 Great Britain Lions tour of Australia and New Zealand. He participated in several non-test matches on this tour, including a commanding 101-0 victory over South Australia on 23 May 1914 and a 10-38 defeat by Metropolis at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 6 June 1914.