Wayne Pearce

Biography

Wayne Pearce is one of Australia's most respected and highest profile Rugby league identities. Born and raised in the inner city suburb of Balmain, he played 192 first grade games for the Tigers between 1980 and his retirement in 1990. He captained the club for seven seasons which included four successive Panasonic Cup Finals (1985-1988) and two grand finals (1988 and 1989).

At representative level, Wayne played fifteen State of Origins for New South Wales. He captained the Blues 1985 to 1988, including the first ever State of Origin clean sweep in 1986.

Wayne also played eighteen Test matches for Australia. On the 1982 "Invincibles" Kangaroo Tour he was voted best on tour and in the 1984 Ashes campaign against Great Britain he was voted player of the series

Of Wayne Pearce, former team mate and fellow international Steve Roach said "Junior was the toughest bloke I ever saw. He had a strength of character and a never say die spirit that was indomitable"