Rohan Hancock

Rohan Hancock is one of the finest products to come from the Darling Down, a rugged forward known for smashing through opposition defensive lines.

The boy from Killarney played for Collegians and Eastern Suburbs in Warwick district football, as well as Clifton-Allora Wattles in the Toowoomba competition.

He was a fixture in Queensland teams from 1978, until his retirement from the game, following the undefeated Kangaroo tour of Britain and France in 1982. In addition to his five Origin matches, Hancock played six other matches for Queensland.

He made his Test debut against New Zealand at Lang Park on July 3, 1982, and became part of Trans-Tasman folklore when Kevin Tamati knocked him senseless with a massive hit, with Hancock's first touch of the ball.

Hancock showed tremendous courage to play-on, before being replaced in the 57th minute. He held his spot for the return Test in Sydney, and then also played in a Test against Papua New Guinea on his way to the UK with the Kangaroos.

When we jogged out at Lang Park, I was just behind Arthur Beetson and the crowd was roaring. It was unbelievable.

Rohan Hancock FOG #11

Hancock scored a spectacular try in Queensland's 10-5 win over the Blues at the SCG, in the third and deciding match of the 1982 Origin series, with the Maroons winning 10-5.

From the time he was selected for Australia's tour of New Zealand in 1980, he was the target of cashed up scouts from Brisbane and Sydney clubs, but never seriously considered leaving the Darling Downs.

The Hancock name remains just as relevant in the modern era – Hancock’s daughter Steph has gone on to become one of the finest players to represents the the Australian Jillaroos; with the duo becoming the first father-daughter combination to play State of Origin football.