The Australian Sculling Championship (Professional) Title was first recognised in the early 1850s.
He was later the first international contestant for the World Sculling Championship and that race was held on the Thames in 1863.
Thus began a long association of Australian Champions who were either contestants in, or actual holders of, the World Title.
From 1866 William Hickey was the Champion, a position he held until being disposed by Michael Rush in 1873.
In general, professional sculling declined in popularity and eventually the Title lapsed as scullers and the public became less interested in such races.