Reg Latta

Reg Latta

Personal information
Full name	Reginald Augustine Latta
Nickname	Whip
Born	1897 Balmain, New South Wales
Died	30 July 1970 Drummoyne, New South Wales
Playing information
Position	Lock forward
Club
Years	Team	Pld	T	G	FG	P
1916–30	Balmain Tigers	161	60	0	0	180
Representative
Years	Team	Pld	T	G	FG	P
1921–24	New South Wales	6	0	0	0	0
1919–24	Australia	4	0	0	0	0

Reginald Augustine 'Whip' Latta (1897-1970) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer of the 1910s and 1920s who also became a coach. An Australia national and New South Wales state representative forward, he played his club football in Sydney for the Balmain club, with whom he won five premierships. Latta also coached the team.

Reg Latta was born in Balmain, New South Wales to parents James and Mary Latta in 1897. He came through the junior ranks to debut for the Balmain Tigers in 1916 as a 19-year-old. He went on to play fourteen first grade seasons with Balmian between 1916-1930. He was a blonde haired lock-forward and he was known by the nickname 'Whip'. He won five premierships with Balmain Tigers in 1916, 1917, 1919, 1920 and 1924. He represented New South Wales on eleven occasions during : 1921, 1923, 1924 and 1925. He also represented Australia on five occasions including touring with the 1921-22 Kangaroos as was named the Champion Australian Player of that tour. He was also the first Balmain player to play more than 200 games for the club.

Reg Latta also coached the Balmain Tigers in 1929 and 1931.^[1] Latta also served the Balmain Tigers as a committeeman and office-holder for many years. He was awarded Life Membership of the NSWRFL in 1937 for services to the game.^[2]

Reg Latta died on 30 July 1970 at his Drummoyne home.^[3]

References

1. Alan Whiticker: Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. ISBN 9780732908164
2. Sydney Morning Herald "New Life Member" (page 17) 9 February 1937
3. Sydney Morning Herald - death notice- 1 August 1970