Darren Fritz

Rockhampton product, Darren Fritz joined the Canberra Raiders as a 19-year-old at the end of the 1988 season, and represented New South Wales under 21s in 1989.

The giant front rower also played four first grade games off the bench in 1989, when the Raiders claimed their maiden premiership. Injury sidelined him in 1990 when the Raiders made it back-to-back titles.

He cemented a first grade spot in 1991 and played in the grand final loss to Penrith. Such was his form, he fielded offers from seven rival clubs, before electing to stay at the Raiders. At the end of the 1992 Australian season, Fritz had a stint with Wakefield in England.

Coming from Rockhampton, and getting the chance to play Origin - it was probably the highlight of my life.

Darren Fritz FOG #80

A move to the Illawarra Steelers in 1994 saw Fritz produce his best season, with the then 25-year-old earning his Queensland debut in Game I, from the bench. He started in the front row in the next two games, first alongside Andrew Gee, and then with Mark Hohn as his co-prop.

Fritz switched to North Sydney in 1997, spending one season with the Bears, before finishing his career with Wests Magpies.

Back injuries took a toll on Fritz, restricting him to 20 games in his final three years. However, at the age of 50, he put aside all his concerns and played alongside his son, Ben, for Runaway Bay Seagulls in the Gold Coast competition, a thrill which rivalled his stint in the Maroon of Queensland.