Basil Sellers SCG Sports Sculptures

Richie Benaud made his first-class debut for NSW against Queensland at the SCG in 1948-49. His lifetime in cricket as a player, captain, broadcaster, journalist, author, adviser and friend of the game is without parallel. He made his Test debut against the West Indies, also at the SCG, in 1951-52. He played his last Test at the SCG in 1964, against South Africa. Benaud was awarded an OBE for his services to cricket in 1961. Born: 6 October 1930 - Died: 10 April 2015.

Stan McCabe is one of Australia’s finest and most imaginative batsmen prior to the Second World War. He played three of the greatest innings in the history of Test cricket. McCabe made his first-class debut for NSW in 1928, and played his last first-class game for NSW against Queensland, in November 1941. Ten days after the game, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour and first-class cricket was suspended. Born: 16 July 1910 - Died: 25 August 1968

Spofforth - nicknamed "The Demon Bowler" - is considered Australia’s first true fast bowler and one of its greatest ever pacemen.  During an 18-match Test career, which spanned 10 years from 1877 to 1887, Spofforth captured 94 Test wickets at an average of 18.41. Spofforth’s most memorable performance is in the Test that gave birth to the Ashes - The Oval 1882. Born: 9 September 1853 - Died: 4 June 1926

“Dally” Messenger commenced his football career playing rugby union with Eastern Suburbs in 1905. His powerful running, attacking unpredictability and solid defence earned him Wallaby selection in two Tests against New Zealand, in 1907. It was Messenger’s decision to sign a professional contract to play rugby league and tour England with the New Zealand “All Golds” in 1907-08, which was a key to the successful establishment of rugby league in Australia in 1908. He played rugby league with Eastern Suburbs in 1908, and led the club to three successive premierships in 1911, 1912 and 1913. Born: 12 April 1883

- Died: 24 November 1959

Reg Gasnier is celebrated as one of Rugby League’s greatest players. In a magnificent career spanning from 1958 to 1967, Gasnier had an astonishing strike rate. In 127 games for St George, he crossed for 130 tries. In 39 Tests for Australia, he scored 28 tries. He was regarded as the “Prince of Centres.” In 1962, Gasnier was named Australian Captain against the visiting British Lions – the youngest ever at 23 years. Gasnier was honoured with an Order of Australia in 1989. Born: 12 May 1939 - Died: 11 May 2014

Trevor Allan was one of the finest rugby union players of his era. He made his union debut for NSW in 1946, age 19. On the Wallabies 1947-48 Europe tour, Allan became the youngest man to captain the team, at 21. In 1949, he led the Wallabies to a celebrated Bledisloe Cup series victory over the All Blacks – a win not repeated for another 30 years. In the 1950s, Allan switched codes, accepting a lucrative contract with the English Rugby Football League club Leigh. Between 1950 and 1954, Allan scored 52 tries in 97 appearances. He was awarded an OAM in 1991. Born: 27 September 1926 - Died: 27 January 2007

Ken Catchpole was a rugby union footballer, described as “the greatest halfback the world has known”. He rose into the first-grade ranks as a teenager with the Randwick club in 1959. He was 19 when he made the first of 26 appearances for NSW against Queensland in 1959. Two years later, he made his Test debut as captain against Fiji in Brisbane. He played 27 Tests for Australia, and was captain on 13 occasions. In retirement, Catchpole became an ABC rugby commentator. He was elected President of NSW Rugby Union in 2006 and 2007. Born: 21 June 1939

Roos joined the Sydney Swans in 1995, after a long and decorated playing career with Fitzroy, where he played 269 games, kicking 270 goals. He was Captain for two terms between 1988-1990 and 1992-1994. During his four seasons with the Swans, Roos played 87 games, kicking 19 goals. He was twice chosen as an All-Australian in 1996 and 1997. He played in the Swans 1996 Grand Final loss to North Melbourne, where he was rated as one of Sydney’s best players. He was made head coach in 2003 and continues in the role today.

Under his coaching, the Sydney Swans qualified for every finals series between 2003 and 2008. Born: 27 June 1963

Kelly joined the Swans in 1990 and retired 13 seasons later as a decorated legend. In 234 games, he kicked 200 goals. He captained the Swans in a club record of 182 matches over 10 consecutive seasons.

Known as “Captain Courageous” - a nickname given to him for so often triumphing over injury - Kelly was regarded as a skilful, fearless and indefatigable player.

He was appointed Swans Captain in 1993. Kelly earned All Australian selection in 1995, 1996 and 1997, the latter two years as captain, before winning the coveted Brownlow Medal, for the AFL’s Best and Fairest Player, in 1995. He won the AFL Players Association’s Robert Rose Award for Most Courageous Player in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 2000. Born: 28 July 1969

Born in Redfern in 1878, Stephen Harold Gascoigne was an iconic SCG supporter in the years prior to the Second World War. He was nicknamed "Yabba" because he was widely known for his loud voice and witticisms directed at the pitch. "He represents what makes Australian sports fans so unique and special... He was a loveable larrikin and passionate about sport. He possessed an amazing quick wit and a string of one-liners." SCG Trust Chairman, Mr Rodney Cavalier AO, said Yabba's sculpture would ensure that his legend remains at the SCG and in the history of Australian sport.