Adrian Brunker

A versatile outside-back, and a more than handy goal-kicker, Adrian Brunker made his Maroons breakthrough at the tender age of 21.

The journey from his start in rugby league, as a Collinsville junior, is an inspirational one. The coal mining town of Collinsville and the Brunker name go hand-in-hand. Adrian represented the Whitsunday region in the Foley Shield competition, from Collinsville, before being signed by the Newcastle Knights, making his first grade debut for the club in 1990.

In 1989, Brunker represented Queensland at Under 19 and Under 21 levels from Collinsville, and was named XXXX Rookie of the Year.

Brunker made his Origin debut on the wing in Game II of the 1992 series, a match which saw Queensland claim a memorable 5-4 win. He played in the third game of that series and in Game I of the 1993 campaign.

There's no way I've given up hope of playing for Queensland again.

Adrian Brunker FOG #74

He did not get a chance to press his Origin claims in 1994, following a serious car accident in the summer, and then a burst appendix on the golf course. He had switched from Newcastle to Gold Coast Seagulls in 1994, and remained at the Tweed Heads' based club for two seasons, before joining St George, where he played three seasons. He and Mark Coyne were centres in the club's 20-8 loss to Manly-Warringah in the 1996 ARL grand final.

Always looking to improve his game, Brunker switched from being a front-on kicker to around the corner in 1995, to improve his accuracy, and his chances of being selected again for Queensland. In 1999, following the merger between St George and Illawarra, Brunker headed to England, finishing his playing career with Wakefield Trinity.

He played 131 games in the NSWRL and ARL competitions, and 18 in England. As a teenager he had completed a diesel mechanic's apprenticeship, and during his time at Newcastle, Gold Coast and St George, was always looking to life after football.

He has since enjoyed a successful transition into the business world.