Gavin Jones

Gavin Jones’ career started with a bang, with the then 19-year-old Souths Woodridge product forcing his way into the Queensland State of Origin side from Easts Tigers in 1983, becoming one of the youngest forwards to represent the state.

Jones came off the bench in Game III of the series, which Queensland won 43-22, to retain the title. Jones carried on this momentum, with the Tigers winning the Brisbane premiership that same year, beating Redcliffe 14-6 in the grand final.

He also toured England with the Queensland side. In 1984, he played for Queensland Residents in an 18-14 win over the Graham Lowe coached New Zealand side at Lang Park.

The competitiveness in Sydney has really brought out the best in my game.

Gavin Jones FOG #40 after his return to Origin duty in 1986

Jones signed with North Sydney in 1986, and played 10 seasons for the club, twice reaching the preliminary final.

He played all three Origin matches in 1986, in the second row, and except for a broken arm in a finals play-off match against Balmain, it is likely he would have toured Britain and France with the Kangaroos.

Jones finished his Australian career with Cronulla in 1996, helping them to the preliminary final.

He also had an off-season stint in England, with Leeds, in 1984-1985.