Joe Kilroy

The man they called 'Smokin Joe’ was a scintillating, try-scoring machine, who thrilled Brisbane rugby league fans for more than a decade.

A Norths St Joseph's (Virginia) junior, and Brisbane Schoolboys' representative, Kilroy grew up idolising future 'Immortal', Australian fullback, Graeme Langlands.

Kilroy made his first grade debut for Norths' Devils in 1979, and the following year was named Brisbane Colt of the Year, as Norths stormed to a Brisbane premiership win, beating the hotly favoured Souths Magpies in the first Brisbane grand final televised live into Sydney.

Kilroy was as adept on the wing as he was at fullback, always a handful to stop and capable of tearing lines apart with kick returns.

Sydney clubs might offer more money, but they cannot offer anywhere near the satisfaction of wearing a Maroon jersey.

Joe Kilroy FOG #55

Man of the match in the Devils 1980 grand final win, he broke the game wide open just after halftime when he fielded a clearing kick from Mal Meninga; beat five defenders in a 50-metre run, and then sent Brian Dunn in for a try.

Kilroy signed with Brothers in 1984, with a new Harley Davidson part of the deal.

He maintained his attacking form, claiming a premiership with Brothers in 1987, scoring a try from the wing in the 26-8 win over Redcliffe.

Kilroy toured Papua New Guinea, and then England, with Queensland in 1983, and the following year played against New Zealand at Lang Park.

He was a crowd favourite with English club, Halifax during an off-season stint in 1985-1986.

Kilroy had to wait until 1988 to make his debut at Origin level, from the Brisbane Broncos.

He played the first and third games of the Maroons' 3-0 series whitewash, scoring a try in Game III.

He and Brett Le Man were the only members of the 1987 Brothers' grand final side recruited by Broncos' coach, Wayne Bennett, who was also Queensland coach.

Kilroy played three seasons with the Broncos, before retiring, and ultimately making North Stradbroke Island his home.