You can't say that Frank "Bumper" Farrell had a boring life. Not only did he play 250 first grade games for the Newtown Rugby League Club, he was also captain of their 1943 premiership winning side (ironically against North Sydney), as well as playing in 21 representative games for both New South Wales and Australia. He was also served in the police force from 1938-1976 and was possibly Sydney's most well known and feared police officer.
Larry Writer's very readable biography of Bumper covers all aspects of his life. From family man to football player to policeman. It includes some very colourful tales from Bumper's life including the infamous ear biting incident from 1945 when he was accused of biting off a large portion of a St. George player's ear, his dealings with the Sydney underworld including Kate Leigh, Tilly Devine and the razors gangs and the time he arrested the future Duke of Edinburgh for urinating in a public place (I kid you not!).
Not only does the LMG hold a number of books by Larry Writer - including Razor which will be the subject of the next Underbelly TV series - but he will also be speaking at Hurstville Library on Friday 8 April at 7pm. Bookings can be made on 9330 6142.
