Reg Latta

Reg Latta
Personal information
Full name Reginald Augustine Latta
Born (1897-06-11)11 June 1897
Balmain, New South Wales
Died 30 July 1970(1970-07-30) (aged 73)
Drummoyne, New South Wales
Playing information
Position Lock

Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1916–30 Balmain Tigers 161 60 0 0 180
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1921–24 New South Wales 6 0 0 0 0
1919–24 Australia 4 0 0 0 0

Reginald Augustine 'Whip' Latta (1897–1970) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer of the 1910s and 1920s who also became a coach. An Australia national and New South Wales state representative forward, he played his club football in Sydney for the Balmain club, with whom he won five premierships. Latta also coached the team.

Reg Latta was born in Balmain, New South Wales to parents James and Mary Latta in 1897. He came through the junior ranks to debut for the Balmain Tigers in 1916 as a 19-year-old. He went on to play fourteen first grade seasons with Balmian between 1916-1930. He was a blonde haired lock-forward and he was known by the nickname 'Whip'. He won five premierships with Balmain Tigers in 1916, 1917, 1919, 1920 and 1924. He represented New South Wales on eleven occasions during : 1921, 1923, 1924 and 1925. He also represented Australia on five occasions including touring with the 1921-22 Kangaroos as was named the Champion Australian Player of that tour. He was also the first Balmain player to play more than 200 games for the club.

Reg Latta also coached the Balmain Tigers in 1929 and 1931.[1] rReg Latta's older brother played in the First Rugby League match in 1908 scoring the first try and kicking the first goal when Balmain defeated Westen Suburbs, Reg Latta's other brother Harry also played first grade for Balmain. Alfred Latta played for Balmain 1908-12, he then became Club Secretary. Alfred Latta from 1916 served on the League committee, (exective), he was a NSW Selector, then Australian Selector, he also held the position of NSWRFL Vice President he died in 1947. Alfred Latta had three son, Jack who was graded as a referee at age 22, Alfred Junior also a referee, mainly 2nd grade and 1st grade lines man, his other son Ernie played first grade for Balmain as half back and full back. There were 6 members of the Latta family involved in Rugby Leagur prior to 1940 and they are often confused. The following appears in the original quote I believe it should refer to Alfred Latta and not Reg Latta.. "also served the Balmain Tigers as a committeeman and office-holder for many years. He was awarded Life Membership of the NSWRFL in 1937 for services to the game.[2]"

Reg Latta died on 30 July 1970 at his Drummoyne home aged 73.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Alan Whiticker: Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. ISBN 9780732908164
  2. ↑ Sydney Morning Herald "New Life Member" (page 17) 9 February 1937
  3. ↑ Sydney Morning Herald - death notice- 1 August 1970


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