Bruce Astill
Centre
Player Bio
- Date of Birth:
- 13 June 1955
- Birthplace:
- Brisbane, Queensland
- Origin Debut:
- 08 July 1980
- Venue:
- Lang Park, Brisbane
Career
Achievements
- Debut game: July 8, 1980 - Lang Park, Brisbane
Career Statistics
- Games
- 2
- Tries
- 0
- Points
- 0
Biography
One of Souths Magpies all-time greats, Bruce Astill and Mal Meninga were a formidable centre pairing, with both men named in Souths Team of the Century in 2008.
Meninga started in the centres in the inaugural Origin match, with Astill on the bench. Bruce did not get on the field during that historic clash, but in 1983 he got his chance, off the bench, in the third and deciding match against the Blues at Lang Park, with Queensland winning 43-22.
Bruce was someone I looked up to and someone I learnt plenty off. He was someone I aspired to be like.
Mal Meninga FOG #4
Astill always ran onto the ball at pace, and possessed fine evasive skills. He was a product of Souths Juniors at Acacia Ridge, where his father, Jack was instrumental in the establishment of the club. Debuting with Souths first grade at 19, Bruce spent his entire senior club career playing for the Davies Park club, and achieved his career highlight when he captained the Magpies to the 1981 premiership, ending a 28-year title drought.
The win was particularly sweet for Astill, who had captained Souths in grand final losses to Valleys and Norths, in 1979 and 1980 respectively. He missed the 1982 grand final because of suspension, and watched from the sidelines as Souths lost 17-3 to a rampant Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
Astill continued as Souths skipper until his retirement at the end of the 1983 season, when he handed over the reins to Meninga.
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.