John Bilbija
Australian rugby league footballer (1958/1959–2024)
Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | John Bilbija | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 1958/1959 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | (aged 65) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Second-row | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: [1] As of 28 December 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
John Bilbija (1958/1959 – 25 August 2024) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s. He played for Western Suburbs, Balmain, Parramatta and South Sydney in the NSWRL competition.
Playing career
Bilbija made his first grade debut for Balmain in round 4 of the 1980 NSWRL season against Cronulla-Sutherland at Leichhardt Oval. The following season, he was limited to only one appearance as the club finished with the wooden spoon. In 1982, Bilbija signed for defending premiers Parramatta and made one appearance for the club in round 2 against his former side Balmain.
During the next three years, Bilbija played district rugby league. In 1985, he was awarded best A-grade player in Parramatta Junior League, playing with the Merrylands club.[2]
In 1986, Bilbija joined Western Suburbs and made 40 appearances over two years however in his final season the club finished with the wooden spoon. In 1988, Bilbija signed for South Sydney and played four games for the club but was released at the end of the year.[3][4][5][6][7]
Death
Bilbija died on 25 August 2024, at the age of 65.[8]
References
- ^ "John Bilbija - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Vale: John Bilbija". Parramatta Eels. 25 August 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
- ^ Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. (1995 edition) ISBN 1875169571
- ^ "Western Suburbs first grade players". www.westsmagpies.com.au.
- ^ "South Sydney Rabbitohs Rugby League Player Report - John Bilbija". www.ssralmanac.com.
- ^ "Official Player Numbers". Parramatta Eels.
- ^ "A visit to John Bilbija". www.menofleague.com.
- ^ 'Was not the same guy we knew': Former league hard man John Bilbija dies after 'sad' decline
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