Grant Rix
Utility
Player Bio
- Date of Birth:
- 09 February 1965
- Birthplace:
- Allora, Queensland
- Origin Debut:
- 01 July 1986
- Venue:
- Lang Park
Career
Achievements
- State of Origin debut - Game III, 1986 at Lang Park
Career statistics
- Games
- 1
- Points
- 0
- Tries
- 0
Biography
A skilful utility back, Grant Rix's playing journey was cruelly ended by injury at the age of 26.
Rix came from Allora on the Southern Darling Downs and his ability saw him earn Australian Schoolboys' selection, and the honour of captaining Queensland at Under 18 level.
He made his senior football debut for Warwick aged 17. Valleys signed him for the 1984 Brisbane Rugby League season, and playing five-eighth outside State of Origin halfback, Ross Henrick, he scored two tries in the knockout semi-final win over Redcliffe.
He is a genius with the football ... sometimes out there, he looked like Reg Gasnier, or even Steve Rogers in his heyday.
Ross Strudwick former Valleys Diehards coach
Rix played centre in the preliminary final loss to Souths, the position he filled in the finals in the following two seasons. He made his Queensland Residents' debut against the touring New Zealand side, at Lang Park in 1984, at five-eighth. His playmaking ability built the hype around Rix being a potential successor to 'the King', Wally Lewis, and in 1985, he was named in an Australian Rugby League Presidents XIII to tour Papua New Guinea.
Rix was named on the Queensland interchange bench for Game III of the 1986 Origin series. However, he did not take to the field, and that was the only time he was chosen for the Maroons, at that level.
In 1987, he toured New Zealand with the State Residents side, and the following year was signed by the Broncos for their inaugural season.
He spent three seasons at the club, winning a reserve grade premiership in 1990, playing in the centres alongside Steve Renouf. A string of knee injuries finally prompted him to call time on his playing career.
He had played the 1987-1988 off-season with Halifax in England, helping the club to a Challenge Cup final win over St Helens at Wembley, under the coaching of former Test winger, Chris Anderson.
Rix was part of the Broncos' coaching staff in 1991 and '92, and coached Norths Devils in 1993-1994.
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.