Greg Oliphant
Halfback
Player Bio
- Date of Birth:
- 22 June 1950
- 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
- 1
- Tries
- 0
- Points
- 0
Biography
Greg Oliphant set the tone for future Maroons halfbacks, with the tough number seven combining skill with grit.
The former Windsor State School pupil played for Valleys, and then Brisbane Wests, before transferring to Redcliffe, from where he represented Australia.
'Ollie' won premierships with Wests in 1975 and 1976, forming a superb combination with dual rugby international five-eighth, Geoff Richardson.
You put that jersey on and nothing else matters. You just go out there and give it 100 per cent.
Greg Oliphant FOG #8
Suitors across the border came calling and Oliphant joined Balmain Tigers in 1979, following his Test debut against the Kiwis the previous year, and his subsequent selection for the Kangaroo tour of Britain and France.
Oliphant had a long-running battle with New South Wales counterpart, Tommy Raudonikis, the two firebrands vying for Australian selection and domestic dominance. It was Oliphant who got the upper hand on that July night in 1980, helping guide the Maroons to victory in the inaugural Origin clash.
Oliphant returned to Queensland to play for Redcliffe in 1981 and went on to coach in the Brisbane competition, first at his old club, Wests, and then at Norths.
A concrete truck driver, Oliphant remained a physical fitness fanatic in retirement.
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.