Rugby league legend Dennis Ward dies at 74
A Kangaroos halfback who achieved a place in rugby league infamy for creating "the greatest try never scored" has died.
Dennis Ward was a member of Manly's first premiership-winning team in 1972 - a tenacious little halfback with a fine turn of speed.
But it was his exploit in the months after the Sea Eagles' historic win that earned Ward his spot in the game's folklore.
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In the 1972 World Cup final against Great Britain in Lyon, with Australia on the attack, Ward put up a clever little chip kick that sailed over the English defence.
Australian fullback Graeme Langlands charged through and, in one smooth motion, collected the ball and dived over for what would have been the match-winning try.
Dennis Ward in action in 1972. Getty
One occasion when Dennis Ward didn't get away. He's caught - ball and all. September 6, 1968. Getty
But the try was disallowed by French referee Georges Jameau, who could not believe Langlands got there so quickly and ruled the Australian captain offside.
Subsequent replays showed that Langlands was, in fact, well onside and the try should have been allowed.
The game ended in a 10-all draw, with Britain awarded the title by virtue of their superior record in the qualifiers.
Ward, who died at 74, also toured with the 1973 Kangaroos and coached Wynnum-Manly in Brisbane.
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