The Queensland Rugby community is mourning the passing of former Queensland winger Jon Hamilton in Toowoomba last week.
While studying at Gatton College, Jon joined the University RFC where he became a standout team member and an exhilarating winger.
In 1956 & ‘57, Jon’s Reserve Grade side was narrowly beaten in the finals to become reluctant, consecutive runners-up.1958 saw Jon join Uni’s A Grade squad.
Although the side lost the Grand Final to Souths 5-9, Jon earned himself the title of “Hardest tackler in Club” and notched up an impressive fifteen individual tries over the successful season.
In 1960 Jon’s A Grade Uni squad, now replete with fifteen current or future Queensland representatives, claimed Premiership victory at Normanby Oval, defeating Brothers 11-6.
“Queensland introduced dashing University winger Jon Hamilton in the team to play the opening interstate match.”
(Red! Red! Red! p 166)Jon’s form on the UQ wing earned him selection in a Queensland side preparing for the exciting 1959 season which included celebrations of Queensland’s Centenary, and hosting the British & Irish Lions for the third fixture of their extensive 6-month, 33-match tour of Australian and New Zealand.
The season opened on 20th May against New South Wales at the Exhibition Ground, and saw Jon take to his preferred left wing, in maroon for the first time. He scored his first Queensland try in the re-match three days later, putting the Reds within one point of victory.
Jon then played in the biggest match in generations of Queensland Rugby fans, against the British & Irish Lions.
Charles Wilson, Jon’s Club captain and friend, led the Reds onto the Exhibition Ground at 8pm, June 2 1959, in the first meeting of the teams since the intrepid 1888 Lions Tour. Though outclassed and outgunned, Queensland performed admirably, putting 11 points on the tourists to lose 11-39.
One year later, this time from the right wing, Jon represented Queensland against another Rugby titan, New Zealand, before playing his final two representative matches, both against New South Wales, finishing his Reds career with nine caps and two tries over the 1959 & ’60 seasons.
Jon's funeral was held over the weekend and he will be sorely missed by his family and wide network of friends.
