Michael Hancock

A powerhouse winger, Michael Hancock became a try-scoring machine for the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia in a trophy-laden career.

He played state league for Toowoomba in 1987, aged 17, chosen from the Stanthorpe club, after representing Queensland at under 17 level the previous year.

He also played for a Queensland Youth Squad against New South Wales in 1987, in a curtain raiser to a Trans-Tasman Test at Lang Park.

Brisbane born, he played two seasons with Norths Banyo Juniors, and then joined Norths Devils at Bishop Park.

The family moved to Stanthorpe in 1984, and Hancock played for Queensland Schoolboys at under 15 level.

Broncos' chief executive John Ribot drove to Stanthorpe to sign Hancock for the Broncos' inaugural season in 1988, and he went on to play 13 seasons and 274 games for the club, winning five premierships and scoring 120 tries.

He made his State of Origin debut in 1989, and that year won the Dally M Winger of the Year award.

He also was chosen for the Kangaroos tour of New Zealand, and played all three Tests.

Hancock went on to play another 11 Tests, as well as touring Britain and France in 1990 and 1994, and being part of the World Cup winning side at Wembley in 1992.

His Origin career extended until 1996, and he finished with 14 matches to his name, scoring five tries, four of those in 1989, including two on debut. Hancock played two Super League Tri-series matches for Queensland in 1997. 

Apart from being deceptively strong and exceptional quick, Hancock had a dislike of being tackled that made him very aggressive.

Wayne Heming Rugby league journalist

He was at the forefront of changing the way wingers were deployed in the 1990s – his sheer strength and determination, combined with his speed and finishing ability, made him a nightmare for opponents, whether on the end of a backline move, or taking on the defence, mid-field.

Hancock was the last of the inaugural Broncos to leave the club, and finished his playing career with Salford in England.

He has held a coaching and development role with the Broncos since 2003. He also was trainer for the Jillaroos when they won the World Cup in England in 2013.