On 5 August 1914 the Sydney Morning Herald reported on John Thom Ross after his being selected for the NSW tour to Victoria.
J. T. Ross (left-back), arrived in Sydney a little over four years ago, playing first with Burns’ Club. This is his first season with the Balmain Club, for which he has shown splendid form. He is a powerful kick and a good tackler. Ross was born in Glasgow, is 26 years of age, stands 5ft 10in, and weighs 11st 3lb. He has represented New South Wales against Victoria (twice), and Queensland.
He went on tour to Queensland in 1914 and moved to Cessnock after the 1914 season and played in the Kerr Cup Final for Cessnock in 1915.
He enlisted on 22 November 1915, returning to Australia on 8 September 1919. He resumed playing with the Cessnock club.