This makes for horrific reading in the context of what we know about the long term damage sports people can suffer from severe concussion.

On July 4, 1947, Ipswich beat Toowoomba 23-10 in a Bulimba Cup rugby league match in Ipswich, with Ipswich second rower, Col Wilson scoring a try and impressing all with a whole hearted display. Four days later it was revealed Wilson had played the game in a daze, in a “semi-coma”.

A school teacher at Kalbar in the Fassifern Valley, Wilson, was admitted to hospital after the match.

The Courier-Mail’s L. H. Kearney wrote: “Wilson received a head injury following a heavy tackle early in the game, and played out the 80 minutes in a semi-coma. He does not remember featuring in two try scoring movements, one of which he capped.

“He seemed physically fit in the dressing room after the game, but his mental condition worried his teammates,

“Wilson went to his parent’s home at Ipswich, but later was admitted to hospital for observation.

“His condition yesterday was satisfactory.”

Wilson was discharged from hospital five days after the match, but ruled out of Ipswich’s next match against Brisbane, his place going to Arn Lewis from Booval Swifts.

The stars of Ipswich’s win over Toowoomba were fullback, Harry Linde and halfback, Lex Stephens. Former Nudgee College (Brisbane) student, Dennis Flannery scored two tries for Ipswich.

The loss meant Toowoomba could not win the Cup, while Ipswich, coached by former international, Les ‘Monty’ Heidke, would claim the trophy if they beat Brisbane, or drew the match.

Heidke was supremely confident of victory, but Brisbane proved too strong, winning 20-2 at the Gabba.