Paul Vautin

One of Queensland’s favourite sons, Paul 'Fatty' Vautin has become a household name, thanks to an amazing rugby league journey.

The redhead cut his teeth at Brisbane Wests as a teenager, before a move to Manly-Warringah took his career to new heights, with the former Padua College student going on to captain club, state and country.

Vautin experienced glory at all three levels. He captained Manly to a grand final win over Canberra in 1987, and was a member of Australian sides which won series against Great Britain (1984 and 1988) and New Zealand (1982, 1985 and 1989). He captained Australia in provincial games on the 1989 tour of New Zealand.

Vautin had an impressive strike rate for his beloved Maroons, playing in 15 winning sides in a 22-match career, twice captaining the side in the absence of the injured Wally Lewis.

Vautin, with his quick wit and astute football brain, became a media star, before answering a SOS from the QRL to coach the Maroons in the 1995 Origin series, after Wayne Bennett stepped aside.

Written off by all and sundry after being handed a side decimated by Super League defections, Vautin masterminded the most inspirational series clean sweep in Origin history – cementing his place in Queensland folklore.

He remained as Queensland coach for the 1996 and 1997 series.

The Queensland jumper, it’s a bit weird, but I believe it’s got mythical, magical powers.

Paul Vautin FOG #24

Vautin, whose father, George, was a prop for Wests in the 1950s, played for the Panthers in the 1978 Brisbane finals series, before 11 seasons with Manly, and finally, two injury hit seasons with Easts Roosters.

There also was an off-season stint with English club, St Helens, with Vautin captaining the side in the 1989 Challenge Cup final at London's Wembley Stadium.