Thomas Frederick King "Mutta" - an oustanding local sportsman





Judy Hunter with her father Thomas King's Team of the Century Award

Judy Hunter is immensely proud of her father Thomas Frederick King or “Mutta” as he was affectionately known by family and friends. “ He took a lot of time keeping fit, he was a wonderful father, very community minded, humble  and he helped children with disabilities learn,” said Judy as she leafed through her mother’s scrapbook that chronicles Tom’s achievements since 1934.

 

“His mother’s name was Florance and she was from the South Sea Islands. Her parents were brought to Australia to work in the sugarcane fields. His father, Sargent George Wheeler, was an Englishman and was a police Sargent” Judy said.  “He never talked much to me about his mother’s family, “ she continued.



Thomas  "Mutta"  (on the right) was the biggest man at Walkers, Judy claims.

 

Tom King was born in Granville in 1913; he went to Albert State School  from 1923 to 1929. He  grew up to work mainly as an electrical welder at Walkers. His long career spanned from the 31^st August, 1928 to the 14^th December, 1977. 

He was also an all-round sports star both locally and nationally. “This is amazing” exclaimed Judy, “because when he was eight he damaged his kneecap when he dived into the pool and they thought he may not even be able to walk!”

 

Thomas King at the swimming club  (second row on the left)

He was an active participant in the swimming club and kept swimming after his retirement. “When he moved to Hervey Bay he would swim the length of the bay to keep fit” Judy said.

Although Tom was a natural sportsman, he excelled at rowing and rugby League. His rowing career began in Maryborough in 1933.   As a member of the Maryborough Rowing Club’s eight oared team he broke the record competing for the three mile King’s Cup. He continued rowing as part of the eight and four oared team for several years, breaking many records.

Thomas with some of his Rugby League Trophies

 

Thomas with the Tom Lawrence Cup trophy he won four times

“Rugby League is the sport that he broke most records in” claims Judy. Tom’s Rugby League career spanned 27 years, from 1928 to 1954. During that time he played for Wallaroos, Rovers and Brothers. Some of the records he set still stand today.  Tom also played against England and was in the National Rugby League team.

Did you know of Tom King’s outstanding Rugby League career?

Dennis Wellbeloved and "Mutta" holding the 2000 Olympic Torch

He was one of the most liked and respected sports people in this area. “Everyone liked  him” said Judy.  Denis Wellbeloved took the 2000 Sydney Olympic Torch to “Mutta” in hospital as a sign of respect for a life spent devoted to his family and community.

Judy Hunter has donated Tom’s memorabilia and scrapbooks to the Fraser Coast Council. His scrapbook and other details can be found in the local history room at Maryborough Library.

Published with consent of Judy Hunter

Tags: #Frasercoastlibraries #Qldheritage #Qldrugbyleague  #Thomasking