Mark Hughes (rugby league, born 1954)

Mark Stephen Hughes (born 6 August 1954) is an English-born Australian former professional rugby league player for the Canterbury Bulldogs of the 1970s and 1980s. He mostly played Lock, but he also spent time playing Centre and Five-eighth. He is the brother of Garry Hughes and Graeme Hughes, and the uncle of Corey Hughes, Glen Hughes, and Steven Hughes.

Playing career

The second eldest of the Hughes brothers to play with Sydney club Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs during the 1970s. He competed with his brother Garry for the top pivotal role before moving to the centres. Mark played Five-eighth in his sides' 19-4 loss to the Eastern Suburbs Roosters in the 1974 NSWRFL season's grand final. He went on to establish a reputation as a fine centre and lock with a good step and swerve. Under the coaching of Ted Glossop, he was a key member of the Bulldogs' "Entertainers" era playing reserve in the 1979 grand final loss to the St. George Dragons, but after playing every game in the 1980 season, he was back at lock in the Bulldogs' historic 1980 premiership win over the Eastern Suburbs Roosters at the Sydney Cricket Ground. It was the Bulldogs' first premiership win since 1942.^[2]

In 1981, injuries impacted on the team severely and Hughes played five-eighth on several occasions. He captained the Bulldogs on six occasions, twice in 1981, and four times in 1982. From 1982 onwards, he was primarily at lock, but in 1983, he was injured for a significant period of time. He played only 11 games in the 1983 season. He played his last game that year as a replacement in his sides' 18-4 preliminary final loss to the Parramatta Eels at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He played 174 games, and scored 30 tries, 22 goals and 4 field goals^[3]

Post playing

In 1996, Hughes returned to the Bulldogs in the role of Development Manager. In 2004, he was nominated for the Berries to Bulldogs 70 Year Team of Champions and is a life member of the club.

References