Wally Lewis

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Wally Lewis (born December 1, 1959 in Brisbane, Australia) is generally considered one of the greatest Rugby League players of all time. He was a five-eighth.

Nicknamed The King, he represented Queensland in 31 games from 1980 to 1991 and was captain from 1981 to 1991. He also represented Australia in 33 international matches from 1981 to 1991 and was national team captain from 1984 to 1989.

In his school days, Lewis also played rugby union. Lewis made the State of Origin his own arena over a number of years. Lewis saved his best for Queensland and the Australian teams. Several rugby League clubs attempted to lure him to Sydney during the 1980s but he signed with the Brisbane Broncos on their inception in 1988.

Injuries and disputes during his time with the Broncos saw him go to the Gold Coast Seagulls in 1990. He played both his last test match and his last State of Origin match in 1991. He captained and coached Gold Coast for two seasons in the 1990s. Lewis also coached the State of Origin side but never won a series.

Lewis is remembered for his football and great confrontations during State of Origin, particularly with Mark Geyer. A statue was raised in his honour at Suncorp Stadium.

He now works as a television presenter for Channel Nine.