Ray Kelly was an Australian rugby league footballer who played as a five-eighth in the 1950s. He played for Newtown in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition. He was the brother of Harold Kelly, who also played for Newtown in the 1950s.
Personal Information
- Full name: Raymond Kelly
- Born: Gunnedah, New South Wales, Australia
- Position: Five-eighth
- Club: Newtown (1954–56), 47 appearances, 10 tries, 30 points
Early Life
Kelly was born in Gunnedah, New South Wales, but grew up in Erskineville, New South Wales before being graded by Newtown.
Playing Career
Kelly made his first grade debut for Newtown in 1953. In 1954, he was part of the Newtown side that claimed the minor premiership alongside players such as Brian Clay, Kevin Considine, and Ray Preston.
Kelly played at five-eighth in the 1954 NSWRL grand final against South Sydney, which Newtown lost 23–15. The following year, Newtown again claimed the minor premiership and reached the 1955 NSWRL grand final against Souths. Newtown entered the game as favourites, as South Sydney were missing several star players including future immortal Clive Churchill. Kelly played at five-eighth in the match; Newtown led at halftime 8–4 before Souths came back to win 12–11. This would be Newtown's last grand final appearance for another 26 years.
Kelly played one further season for Newtown before retiring at the end of 1956.
