Travis Norton

Versatile Travis Norton played his junior rugby league for the Moranbah Sharks, before signing with South Queensland Crushers.

A nephew of former Redcliffe, Brisbane Wests and Queensland centre, Peter Leis, Norton also was a fine hockey player, representing his state several times in age teams.

Norton played for the Crushers in the 1994 Brisbane Rugby League premiership and toured South Africa at the end of the year with the Murray Hurst coached Queensland Residents side.

Norton played centre in the Crushers' first game in the big time - against Canberra, at Suncorp Stadium in March, 1995. He spent two seasons with the Crushers, before signing with Canterbury-Bankstown, where he spent seven seasons, playing lock in the 1998 grand final loss to the Brisbane Broncos.

Norton made his Origin debut from Canterbury in 2002, and went on to play five games for his state.

Gene Miles gave me the call and let me know I was in the team. It took a while to sink in.

Travis Norton FOG #132

He joined North Queensland Cowboys in 2004 and that same year was captain of the first Cowboys' side to reach the finals. He also captained the side in the 2005 grand final loss to West Tigers. He had one more season with the Cowboys, before retiring, with 207 NRL games under his belt.

Affectionately nicknamed 'Tex', he was a positive influence and respected and popular leader in his three seasons at the Cowboys.

His cousin, Trent Leis, was a member of the Cowboys' first premiership-winning side, playing centre in North Queensland Young Guns win over Burleigh Bears in the 2005 Queensland Cup grand final.

Norton worked in sport and recreation on retirement, before joining the fire brigade.