Jack Riley (c. 1874 â 19 June 1924) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1900s. He played at representative level for England, and at club level for Halifax, as a forward, and represented England in the first ever international rugby league game in 1904.
Riley started his rugby career with his local team in the village of Luddenden Foot, aged 17. In October 1893, he was signed by Halifax.
Jack Riley played as a forward in Halifax's 7âÂÂ0 victory over Salford in the 1902âÂÂ03 Challenge Cup Final during the 1902âÂÂ03 season at Headingley, Leeds on Saturday 25 April 1903, in front of a crowd of 32,507, and played as a forward in the 8âÂÂ3 victory over Warrington in the 1903âÂÂ04 Challenge Cup Final during the 1903âÂÂ04 season at The Willows, Salford on Saturday 30 April 1904, in front of a crowd of 17,041.
Jack Riley won a cap playing as a forward (in an experimental 12-a-side team), for England in the 3âÂÂ9 defeat by Other Nationalities at Central Park, Wigan on Tuesday 5 April 1904, in the first ever international rugby league match.
After retiring from rugby, Riley became a pub licensee. On 19 June 1924, Riley died at the Old King Cross Inn in Halifax, aged 50. He was buried in Stoney Royd Cemetery.