George Orr, now aged 64 is a well known personality in the Illawarra Rugby League community who played his junior football with Tech Old Boys, the famous Wollongong club that produced the likes of Graeme Langlands, Harry Wells, Colin Dunn and Ian Moir.
George was graded for Collies in 1965 and stayed there until 1968. In 1969, for Gary Tobin encouraged George to move to Maclean where he played a season in the Group One competition.
In 1970, Tobin suggested to George that he go to New Guinea to play as he had done the same a few years earlier. Unfortunately George was involved in a serious car crash only a few weeks after arriving in Port Moresby and had to sit out the season. George worked as a storeman and then with a builder named Bob Collins. While in PNG George played the 1971 and 72 seasons with DCA, coached by Brian Blows, the former Queensland and Newton Jets hooker from the late 60s.
A well travelled Orr returned to Wollongong in 1973 to play with Collies and then in 1974 he moved to North Wollongong Surf Club, coached by 1967 Kangaroo tourist, Kevin Goldspink.
After one season at North Gong, he returned to Collies in 1976, to help the club get back on its feet after it experienced financial difficulties. George then returned to North Wollongong Surf Club, winning the Wollongong second division competition every year he played there.
Ten years ago, George suffered a depressed fracture of the kneecap while doing demolition work and is on compo. In recent years, cancerous melanomas have developed on George’s face and the Men of League have been able to help with the costs associated with having these removed, in September.
The surgery was a success and George is recovering well although he is disappointed as the surgery did nothing to help his good looks!!