Quick Facts
Biography
Anthony "Tony" Karalius (born (1944-09-19) 19 September 1944in Widnes, Lancashire) is an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s, '70s and '80s, playing at representative level for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, St. Helens, Wigan and Fulham RLFC, as a Hooker, i.e. number 9, during the era of contested scrums.
Playing career
International honours
Karalius won caps for Great Britain while at St. Helens in 1971 against New Zealand (3 matches), in 1972 against France, and in the 1972 Rugby League World Cup against New Zealand.
World Club Challenge final appearances
Tony Karalius played Hooker in St. Helens 2-25 defeat by the 1975 NSWRFL season premiers, Eastern Suburbs Roosters in the unofficial 1976 World Club Challenge at Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday 29 June 1976.
Challenge Cup final appearances
Tony Karalius played Hooker in St. Helens' 20-5 victory over Widnes in the 1976 Challenge Cup final during the 1975–76 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 8 May 1976.
County Cup final appearances
Tony Karalius was an Interchange/Substitute, i.e. number 15, in St. Helens's 2-2 draw with Leigh in the 1967 Lancashire Cup final during the 1967–68 season at Station Road, Swinton on Saturday 7 October 1967, he did not play in the 13-10 victory over Warrington in the 1967 Lancashire Cup final replay during the 1967–68 season at Station Road, Swinton on Saturday 2 December 1967, and played Hooker in St. Helens's 4-7 defeat by Leigh in the 1970 Lancashire Cup final during the 1970–71 season at Station Road, Swinton on Saturday 28 November 1970.
BBC2 Floodlit Trophy final appearances
Tony Karalius played Hooker in St. Helens' 5-9 defeat by Leeds in the 1970 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy final during the 1970-71 season at Headingley Stadium, Leeds on Tuesday 15 December 1970, played Hooker in the 8-2 victory over Rochdale Hornets in the 1971 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy final during the 1971-72 season at Headingley Stadium, Leeds on Tuesday 14 December 1971, played Hooker in the 22-2 victory over Dewsbury in the 1975 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy final during the 1975-76 season at Knowsley Road, St. Helens on Tuesday 16 December 1975, and played Right-Second-row, i.e. number 12, in the 11-26 defeat by Hull Kingston Rovers in the 1977 BBC2 Floodlit Trophy final during the 1977–78 season at Hilton Park, Leigh on Tuesday 13 December 1977.
Personal life
Tony Karalius is the younger brother of St. Helens and Oldham rugby league footballer, Dennis Karalius, and the St. Helens and Widnes rugby league legend, Vince Karalius.