To generations of young Indigenous rugby league players, Lionel Morgan has been a shining light, the embodiment of what can be achieved with hard work, dedication and a refusal to let prejudice stand in the way of your dreams.
To Earl Morgan, he is just Dad, the man who taught him about life and footy. A man waging a brave battle against the curse of dementia, slowly robbing him of the memories of a wonderful life lived in the service of his family and his people.
“Dad’s not getting better, he’s slowly getting worse, he is almost non-verbal, but he can still react when you mention names like Beetson, Churchill, Gasnier and Raper,” Earl told NRL.com. “He had a goal and that’s what he wanted to achieve. His mum really pushed him to achieve his dreams. She would travel up from Tweed Heads hiring three or four buses to bring people up when he played for Brisbane or Queensland because that’s how proud they were.
You’ll never know what went through those people’s minds but we can only hope we iron out the creases for the next generation.“Dad’s message to young Indigenous kids was clear – no one will give you anything but if you give hard work then someone will take you on board and give you an opportunity and that’s what he did. He achieved his dream.”
“There were a lot of other Indigenous players and other sportspeople who saw what Lionel achieved and they were inspired to make the most of their own talents.
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