Wally Lewis
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Wally Lewis (born December 1, 1959 in Brisbane, Australia) is a former rugby league footballer who was one of the most pre-eminent players of the 1980s. In his school days, he also played representantive rugby union. Lewis is perhaps best known for his State of Origin performances, spearheading Queensland's dominance in that competition throughout the 80s.
Nicknamed The King and also The Emperor of Lang Park, 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. Wally played for English First Division side Wakefield Trinity for a short spell in 1983/84 and is still considered a hero in West Yorkshire today.
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 1991. 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.
| Preceded by: Mal Clift |
Coach Gold Coast Seagulls 1992-1993 |
Succeeded by: John Harvey 1994-1995 |
| Preceded by: Graham Lowe 1991-1992 |
Coach Queensland State of Origin 1993-1994 |
Succeeded by: Paul Vautin 1995-1997 |
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| Brisbane Broncos |
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| The Club Representatives | History | Records Honours | Players | Venues |
| Broncos Seasons 1988 | 1989 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
| Broncos Stadiums Lang Park/Suncorp Stadium | ANZ Stadium |
| Broncos Captains Wally Lewis (1988-1989) | Gene Miles (1990-1991) | Allan Langer (1992-1999) Kevin Walters (1999-2000) | Gorden Tallis (2001-2004) | Darren Lockyer (2005-present) |
| Broncos Coaches Wayne Bennett (1988-present) |
