Gavin Allen
Prop
Player Bio
- Date of Birth:
- 30 March 1965
- Birthplace:
- Cairns, Queensland
- Origin Debut:
- 08 May 1991
- Venue:
- Lang Park
Career
Achievements
- State of Origin debut: Game I, 1991 at Lang Park
Career statistics
- Games
- 8
- Points
- 4
- Tries
- 1
Biography
Gavin 'Jed' Allen, one of the heroes of Queensland's 1995 Origin clean sweep, was noted for his ability to unload the ball in the tightest of situations.
A product of the Cairns Kangaroos' club, Allen first took to the rugby league field at the age of seven, and played junior representative football across the grades, with the Allen family having to travel far and wide for matches. He also represented Cairns in the Foley Shield competition.
We went in thinking we were lambs to the slaughter, but after the (team) meeting I said to 'Hohnny' (Mark Hohn), I think we can win this.
Gavin Allen FOG #72
Allen moved to Brisbane in 1986 to take up a contract with the Valley Diehards. After just one season in the BRL, he was signed by St George in Sydney, and he spent two years with the Dragons, before returning to Brisbane to link with the Broncos.
Allen made his State of origin debut in 1991, and went on to play eight matches in Maroon. He played front row in the Broncos' historic 1992 grand final win over his former side, St George, but injury ruled him out of the 1993 grand final.
In 1994 he was banned for 12 matches for a high tackle, and did not have a chance to press for Origin selection.
He returned to the Maroons in 1995 as the only Brisbane Bronco in the squad, and played all three games, as Queensland stunned the overwhelmingly-favoured New South Wales.
Allen was eligible for Queensland selection, because he had not signed with Super League. He broke his cheek bone in Origin III in 1995, an injury which almost certainly cost him a place in the Australian side.
Allen played for London Broncos in the inaugural English Summer Super League competition in 1996, alongside his brother, Ray, who had previously played for Wynnum-Manly.
Allen retired in 1997 to concentrate on his printing business, but has maintained close ties with rugby league, through Broncos Old Boys; FOGS and also as a manager of Australian and Queensland sides. He also runs a successful printing business. Allen, who was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in 1998, was a heart transplant recipient in 2019.
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.