Les Kiss
Wing
Player Bio
- Date of Birth:
- 09 December 1964
- Birthplace:
- Bundaberg, Queensland
- Origin Debut:
- 10 May 1986
- Venue:
- Sydney Cricket Ground
Career
Achievements
- State of Origin debut - Game II, 1986 - Sydney Cricket Ground
Career statistics
- Games
- 4
- Points
- 12
- Tries
- 3
Biography
Les Kiss was no overnight sensation, but it seemed that way, when he made his Queensland and Australian debuts in 1986.
In fact, Kiss had battled for three seasons with the Wide Bay Bulls in the Queensland State League, without any fanfare.
Then, when he joined Valleys in Brisbane in 1985, he cemented a spot in first grade, in what was a successful, if unspectacular season.
But he had done enough to impress the North Sydney talent scouts, and he joined the Bears in 1986 in what would prove to be the first of eight seasons with the club. Along the way, he represented Queensland four times in the Origin arena, and Australia four times at Test level.
Kiss was called up to replace Chris Close on the wing for Game II of the 1986 Origin series, and scored a try on debut in a 24-20 loss at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
He held his spot for the 'dead rubber' Game III, and scored again in the Maroons' 18-16 loss at Lang Park.
Less than three weeks later, he made his Test debut against the touring Kiwis, replacing the injured Dale Shearer, who had played in Australia's First Test win in Auckland.
Kiss made breaks that resulted in tries to centre, Gene Miles and fullback, Garry Jack in a hard-fought match, won by Australia 29-12 at the SCG. He retained his spot for the Third Test in Brisbane, which Australia won 32-12.
Kiss was selected for the Kangaroo tour of Britain and France, and played a Test against Papua New Guinea on the way to the United Kingdom, scoring two tries in Australia's 62-12 victory. He played in the First Test win over Great Britain at Old Trafford, but a serious knee injury in a match against club side, Widnes ruled him out of the closing stages of the English leg, and the entire French section.
When I played for Queensland and Australia it was great. I will always savour the memory of that.
Les Kiss FOG #48
This was a severe setback to his representative ambitions, but he showed his fighting qualities by breaking back into the Queensland side in 1990.
A handy goal kicker, he often took-on that role for the Bears, and finished his first grade career at the club with 192 points from 29 tries and 38 goals.
Rugby union came knocking, leading to a host of coaching roles at the Waratahs, South Africa's Springboks, and with the Irish national side.
He was coaching director at Ulster Rugby, and then head coach at London Irish. He says the biggest influences on his career have been former League international, Noel Kavanagh from Bundaberg; Bundaberg Brothers' stalwart, John Rea and former senior coaches, Peter McWhirter (Valleys) and Brian 'Chicka' Norton (North Sydney).
Former Origin Greats
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