Mark Murray

Mark “Muppet” Murray's playing career was cruelly ended by a serious eye injury in 1986, at the age of 27.

But he had already scaled incredible heights, having played for Queensland and Australia.

Originally from Millmerran on the Darling Downs, Murray captained Queensland Under 18 side, before moving to Brisbane in 1978 to attend teacher's college. He signed with Norths, and in 1979 represented Brisbane against Great Britain, marking legendary English five-eighth, Roger Millward, with Ross Strudwick the Brisbane halfback and Wally Lewis on the bench.

The affection and parochialism the Queensland crowds afforded the Origin teams, will always remain close to my heart.

Mark Murray FOG #22

Murray captained Norths to their 1980 grand final win over Souths, and then switched to Valleys in 1982, where he played alongside his Queensland and Australian halves partner, Wally Lewis.

Murray made his Origin debut, off the bench, in 1981, and then played all three matches in the inaugural series in 1982.

At the end of the domestic season, he toured Britain and France with the Kangaroos, proving one of the stars of a 37-7 win over Wales in Cardiff, a match not afforded Test status.

He made his Test debut against Great Britain in Sydney in 1984, and went on to play five more Tests, as well as touring New Zealand in 1985.

He played 15 Origin matches and represented Queensland another five times, including tours to Papua New Guinea and England.

Murray finished his club playing career at Redcliffe, and then coached the Dolphins' Colts to premierships in 1988 and 1989.

Murray coached Eastern Suburbs in Sydney from 1991 to 1994, after being recommended to the Roosters by legendary Queensland coach, Bob Bax.

In 1998, Murray coached Norths to a 35-16 win over Wests in the Queensland Cup grand final at Lang Park.

The following year, he took on the Queensland job, and the Maroons retained the Origin trophy as a result of an historic drawn series.