Bryan Niebling
Second row
Player Bio
- Date of Birth:
- 18 July 1986
- Birthplace:
- Murgon, Queensland
- Origin Debut:
- 07 June 1983
- Venue:
- Lang Park
Career
Achievements
- State of Origin debut - Game I, 1983 at Lang Park
Career statistics
- Games
- 9
- Points
- 4
- Tries
- 1
Biography
The man they called “Horse”, had opponents on the gallop throughout his career.
After playing first grade for his hometown, Murgon, Bryan Niebling signed with Fortitude Valley in 1980, despite an approach from Souths coach, Wayne Bennett.
Niebling, a former state under 18 representative, made his Queensland debut from Valleys in 1981, under the residential rules, before making his Origin debut in 1983. He toured Papua New Guinea and England with the Queensland side in 1983, and New Zealand in 1987. Niebling made his Test debut against the touring Great Britain side in 1984, from Redcliffe.
I made my Origin debut in 1983 and Arthur was still coach. So, to be coached by, and to play with one of your heroes was massive for me.
Bryan Niebling FOG #34
His work rate and powerful runs on the edge made him an invaluable asset for the Maroons across his nine appearances.
He shook off the effects of a 1985 season wrecked by injury to rebound in brilliant fashion the next year, reclaiming his spot in the Queensland and Australian second row, while being a co-winner of the Rothmans Gold Medal (alongside Scott Tronc from Souths) as a result of his superb BRL campaign with Redcliffe.
In 1986, Niebling played all six Tests on the Kangaroo tour of Papua New Guinea, England and France.
He played the last of his 13 Tests against the Kiwis at Lang Park in 1987. Niebling played in the Redcliffe front row with fellow Maroons, Greg Conescu and Dave Brown in the 1987 Brisbane grand final loss to Brothers.
An inaugural Brisbane Bronco in 1988, Niebling played two seasons with the club under the coaching of Bennett, before finishing his career with Hull KR in England, where he was given free rein to use the ball skills which were an underrated part of his game.
On his return to Australia, Niebling took up coaching at Valleys.
Former Origin Greats
Queensland Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.