Peter Jackson

It took a special talent to step into the shoes of Wally Lewis – but Peter Jackson was up to the task.

‘Jacko’ was a gifted footballer who relished the big stage, and when Lewis was unavailable for the first time in his Origin career in 1988, Queensland turned to the Runaway Bay junior.

Despite being a centre, Jackson excelled at five-eighth, helping guide the Maroons to a famous Game I win, which set the stage for Queensland's first clean sweep.

Jackson played for the Australian under 17 rugby union side while attending The Southport School, and also played under 18 league for Australia, from the Runaway Bay club, where one of his coaches was former Australian hooker, Ron Turner.

He was a tremendous character and person, and it means so much to be given an award in his name.

Steve Price FOG #108

Jackson made his first grade debut for Souths Magpies in the Brisbane competition in 1983. He played wing in Souths' 42-8 loss to Wynnum Manly in the 1984 grand final, but partnered Mal Meninga in the centres in the Magpies' 10-8 triumph over the Seagulls in the 1985 decider.

Jackson made his Origin debut from the Magpies in 1986, and was a regular in state teams for the next six years, finishing with 16 Origin appearances.

In 1987, Jackson joined Meninga in Canberra, playing alongside 'Big Mal' in the Raiders' 18-8 loss to Manly in the Sydney grand final.

He began his international career in 1988, playing all three Tests against the touring Great Britain Lions, and scoring two tries on debut in the first Test in Sydney.

He played another six Tests, and toured New Zealand with the Kangaroos in 1989. His last Test appearance was against Britain in Melbourne in 1992.

Jackson had returned to Brisbane to play with the Broncos in 1989, but then joined North Sydney in 1991, remaining there three seasons and finishing with a reserve grade premiership in 1993.

There also had been off-season stint with English club, Leeds in 1987-1988.

He took on a position as skills coach at Canterbury-Bankstown after he announced his retirement, and also took on several media roles. 

Jackson remains a part of the Maroons’ spirit, with the Peter Jackson Memorial Trophy awarded to the person making the greatest contribution to the Maroons each series.

Jackson died on November 5, 1997.