Len Dittmar played all three games for Queensland in the 1971 inter-state series, and was earmarked as a future Australian Test representative forward.
But his career came to an abrupt end early in 1973, as a result of a knee injury playing for Brothers in the Brisbane competition.
Brothers' teammate, and close friend David Wright said prop forward Dittmar stood tall in a brutal era for the game, never taking a backward step, and earning the respect of teammates and rivals alike.
"If not for the injury, I reckon Lenny would have played for Australia, maybe for a decade," said Wright, who represented his country during the 1975 World Series.
Dittmar, 73, died on Thursday, August 1, after a battle with cancer.
He made his first grade debut for Brothers in 1969, and was a one club man during his time in the Brisbane competition, but also had a stint with famous Yorkshire club, Hull FC, in 1972-73.
Dittmar was a Life Member of Mooloolaba Surf Club, where he forged a reputation as a champion surfboat rower.
His father, Len Snr, a former national welterweight champion, was inducted into the Australian Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022.
Len, who lived at Sandgate with his wife Jenny, was a fireman for much of his working life, and also was a staunch supporter of the Family of League Foundation.
