Paul McCabe

Paul McCabe played his first game of rugby league aged 15, and three years later graduated from Norths juniors to first grade with the Devils.

McCabe signed with North Sydney in 1979, but it was after he moved to Eastern Suburbs (1980) and Manly (1982) that his play went to the next level.

A broken jaw ruled him out of Easts' grand final showdown with Canterbury in 1980, but he played consecutive grand finals for Manly in 1982 and 1983, with Parramatta winning both games.

Queensland brought him into the Origin fold in 1981, after he had played two matches for New South Wales under the residential rules, as well as making his Test debut against the touring French side.

It’s funny because we had a doctor, and he came in and do you know what he prescribed Paul on the day? He said ‘here, have two XXXX'.

Paul Vautin FOG #24

In 1982, he played all three Origin matches and toured Britain and France with the Kangaroos, playing one Test against Great Britain, and two against France. He also represented Australia against New Zealand in Auckland in 1983.

He made one final appearance for Queensland in 1985, from Manly, and then switched to Balmain, for his last season in Sydney.

McCabe played a key role in one of Origin's most famous tries, scored by skipper, Wally Lewis in the decider at the SCG in 1982. It was McCabe who trapped NSW fullback, Phil Sigsworth in-goal, with Sigsworth throwing a desperate pass to winger, Phil Duke, who fumbled, allowing Lewis to pounce on the ball.

In 1987, McCabe returned to his Queensland roots, with a final stint at Norths Devils, although a knee injury restricted his appearances.

McCabe comes from a famous Queensland family, with his older brother, John representing Queensland in 1972, and winning Brisbane premierships with Valleys in 1970, 1971, 1973 and 1974.