Mitch Brennan

A prolific try-scorer in Brisbane and Sydney competitions, Mitch Brennan has a unique piece of trivia in his Maroons' history.

In his first three Queensland Origin matches, Brennan was named in three different positions – wing, centre, and finally his preferred fullback role – showcasing the versatility of the Souths Magpies junior.

In 1976, Brennan was granted a release by Souths to trial for a contract with Canadian Football Club, Toronto Argonauts, but work visa problems saw him return to Brisbane.

In 1977 he trialled with Sydney club, St George, at Grafton, under the name 'Micky Lane', and was subsequently fined $500 by the QRL. He joined St George the following year, and won a premiership in 1979, scoring a try in the 17-13 win over Canterbury, in the grand final. In fact, he was the competition's joint top try scorer that season.

State of Origin. What a great concept that was, and I’m glad I came into it, that it came onboard before I finished playing.

Mitch Brennan FOG #16

He joined South Sydney in 1981, and it was from the Rabbitohs that he was selected for his Origin debut. He returned to Queensland in 1983 to play with Redcliffe, captaining the side in the grand final, which they lost 14-6 to Easts. Brennan toured England with the Queensland side at the end of that season.

In 1986 he signed with Canberra, finishing his playing career at the Raiders in 1988. He was appointed football manager, and then head coach of English club, Wakefield Trinity in 1996.