The South Sydney Rabbitohs are mourning the passing of two former players over the past weekend, Life Member John ‘Mick’ Falla and Wally Hourn.
John Henry Falla, who passed away at the age of 83, was born in 1937 in Sydney, and was affectionately known throughout his career as ‘Mick’.
Mr Falla played his junior football with Coogee and McMahons Point, and represented North Sydney in their Presidents Cup side in 1957. He was graded by the Bears later that year where he played in their lower grades until 1958.
In 1959-60 he played for Glen Innes and in 1961 he joined the Rabbitohs. In his seven seasons with South Sydney, Mr Falla played in 122 grade games for the club, scoring ten tries and two goals.
Mr Falla, first grade player number 483, made his first grade debut in round eight in 1961 against St George which was played at Sydney Sports Ground on 28 May. He played in a total of 63 first grade games for the club, scoring two tries. He captained the Rabbitohs in nine first grade games and five games in Reserve Grade.
Mr Falla worked in many different administrative roles for the Rabbitohs including Players’ Representative in 1963-69, General Committee in 1969-73, Social Committee in 1969-71, Representative on the Junior League in 1970-73, Appeals Committee in 1970, Deputy Selector in 1968-73, Selector in 1973 and Deputy Delegate in 1973. He also served with the NSWRL as City Selector in 1976-79, NSW State of Origin Selector in 1979-2000 and as an Australian Selector in 1980-95.
Mr Falla was inducted as a Life Member of the South Sydney Football Club at the 85th Annual General Meeting held at the South Sydney Leagues Club in Redfern on 13 December 1992 and he was also inducted as a Life Member of the NSWRL in 2000.
Wallace John Hourn, who passed away recently at the age of 79 in Hervey Bay in Queensland, was born in 1941 in Lismore and played for Souths as a winger in 1962, playing in nine grade games, scoring eight tries in total.
The Lismore junior made his Rabbitohs first grade debut in round three in 1962 against Eastern Suburbs which ended as an 11-all draw, played at Redfern Oval on 21 April, when he came on as a replacement for Dave Woods at half-time.
Mr Hourn, first grade player number 496, played another two first grade games later that year including the round six clash against Canterbury where he scored two splendid tries. He moved on to become the captain/coach of Woodburn which allowed him to fulfill his dream of owning his own farm.
On behalf of everyone connected with the Rabbitohs, we offer our deepest and most sincere condolences to the families and friends of Mr John ‘Mick’ Falla and Mr Wally Hourn.
