Mitchell Hunter Cox

Mitchell Cox came from good rugby stock. His father Brian (Wallaby #388) won nine Test caps for Australia and his elder brother Phillip (Wallaby #607) played 16 Tests. His was a remarkable family trio of rugby internationals. Born and bred in Sydney, Mitchell learned his rugby at Balgowlah Boys’ High School and played in the 1st XV. After school Cox joined the Manly club where he developed into a near-complete utility back whom effectively handled every position in the backline from halfback through to the wing. He had rapid acceleration off the mark, side-stepped off either foot and tackled aggressively. Cox’s first taste of senior representative rugby came in 1978 when selected for Sydney against Australian Services.

In 1980 both he (at outside centre) and Phillip (at halfback) debuted for New South Wales when they defeated Queensland 36-20 at the Sydney Sports Ground. Cox’s consistent performances at state level earned him a spot on the 1981-82 Wallaby tour of the U.K. and he went on to make his Test debut against Wales in Cardiff. During that Test, Phillip came off the bench to replace John Hipwell and the two brothers played together for their one and only match at international level. Following the tour, Mitchell switched codes when he signed to play rugby league with the North Sydney Bears.

Highlights

1981

Cox made his Test debut on the right wing in the 13-18 loss to Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. He scored his first Test try in that match to become the 54th Wallaby to score a try on debut. Cox played his final Test two weeks later, again on the right wing, in the 15-24 loss to Scotland at Murrayfield. Represented Australia at the Hong Kong 7s.