Trevor Gillmeister

As hard as they come, there’s every chance Trevor Gillmeister bleeds Maroon, such is his passion for Queensland.

Earning the nickname “The Axe” for his ability to cut opponents down to size with a brilliant defensive technique, Gillmeister was a fan favourite.

His first junior club was Wests in Gladstone, where his dad was working. When the family returned to Brisbane, he played for his local club, Banyo, and then graduated to first grade with Norths Devils in 1984.

In 1986, Gillmeister was recruited by Queensland legend, Arthur Beetson, who was coaching Eastern Suburbs Roosters in Sydney. 

Gillmeister made his debut for the Maroons in 1987 under the coaching of Wayne Bennett, and played in two successful campaigns, before Beetson again took the reins at state level, and Queensland won their third series in a row in 1989.

Gillmeister played 22 times for his state - four times as skipper - his bravery and passion making him part of the Queensland Origin fabric.

This was never more evident than the legendary 1995 series, with captain Gillmeister inspiring the decimated Maroons to a remarkable clean sweep. He dragged himself from his hospital bed to lead the side in Game III at Lang Park, before heading back to that same bed, after fulltime, for further treatment for blood poisoning – truly a captain’s knock.

To play for Queensland you've made it, but to get the chance to be the captain was something special.

Trevor Gillmeister FOG #52

At the time, he was also captain of the South Queensland Crushers, where he played out his club career.

But he had won premierships with cross town rivals, the Broncos in 1992 and 1993, before playing a season at Penrith, after his shock axing by the Broncos.

Gillmeister played for Australia in the three Test series against the Kiwis in 1995.

Since retiring as a player, he has coached the Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup, and has been part of the coaching staff at Gold Coast Titans.

Gillmeister also has been a big part of Queensland State of Origin camps, and his defensive expertise has been valued in both rugby codes, by men's and women's teams. He also became a valued sports commentator with Channel 7.