Ron was a home-grown Bulldog, a player of immense talent who also became as Kangaroo. A talented fullback who would have had a far more illustrious playing career had it not been for a man called Clive Churchill.
- Status: Pending1952 to 1953Australian Representative
Beginnings
He was a product of Canterbury High School where he played both league and union. Ron joined Canterbury in 1948 as a fullback and progressed through the grades quickly to become the regular first grade fullback for the next six seasons. He captained a total of five games for the club.
Achievements
In 1951 Willey was named in the NSW Colts side to play France at SCG. He kicked six goals in the 27-11 win, and played brilliantly in the open. In 1952 he and Churchill were named in the Kangaroo Team to tour England and France. It was the last time the Kangaroos travelled by ship.
Post Representation
Willey continued to coach through to the 1980's and would coach NSW to an historic clean-sweep in 1986's State of Origin series.