Peter Ryan

 Peter Ryan played 11 years at the Broncos and three years in rugby union with the ACT Brumbies.

In both codes, he was a feared defender, with a technique close to perfect, and a ruthless streak, which made him a search and destroy weapon. Sometimes he paid a high price for his aggression. In 1998, for instance, he missed a place in the Broncos grand final squad after a hit on Melbourne halfback, Brett Kimmorley.

He played his junior rugby league for Laidley Lions, before spending two years at Downlands College in Toowoomba, where he played union, and made the Australian Schoolboys side.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett took a punt on Ryan, after Peter's sister, Geraldine told him about her little brother, who could play a bit.

Ryan played first with Wests Panthers' in Brisbane and then Brothers, clubs which had an affiliation with the Broncos. He made his first grade debut for the Broncos in 1991.

In 1992, he played 14 games off the bench, but did not get on the field for the historic grand final win over St George. However, he did play in the World Club Challenge final win over Wigan in England, later that year, and came off the bench in the grand final win over St George in 1993.

His support play was outstanding. But as far as tackling goes, they don't come any better.

Wayne Bennett Queensland Maroons coach

Ryan was Broncos' Best Forward in 1996 and Player of the Year in 1997, a season in which he helped the club to the World Club Challenge title and the Super League Premiership.

He also played three games for Queensland in Super League's Tri-series, and was 18th man for a Super League Test against the Kiwis. In 1998, Ryan played a huge role in Queensland's State of Origin series win, but missed Game II because of suspension.

He switched to rugby union with the ACT Brumbies in 1999 and became the first player to win a Super Rugby crown, as well as a NRL title. He played for Australia A in their win over the British Lions at Gosford in 2001. 

Ryan returned to league from union in 2005 as an assistant to Bennett at the Broncos, and remained on the staff when Ivan Henjak took the reins, after Bennett headed to St George at the end of the 2008 season.

Ryan stayed until January, 2010, leaving after a falling out with Henjak. He was recruited by the Cowboys as their defence coach, and since then has filled similar roles in union with the Reds, and back at the Broncos, as well as pursuing interests on the land, and in mining.