Top 25 Rugby League Legends Who Played Local Footy After the NRL
From Rugby League Immortals to premiership winners and State of Origin legends, some of the biggest names in Australian rugby league have pulled on a local club jersey after their professional careers.
While most fans remember these players representing Australia, Queensland, New South Wales or their NRL clubs, plenty have also made appearances at country rugby league grounds across Australia.
At Mad Monday, we love grassroots footy. So we've put together our Top 25 Rugby League Legends Who Played Local Footy, celebrating some of the game's biggest names and their connections to community rugby league.
Our rankings are based on each player's achievements, reputation and impact on the game, rather than their performances at local level.
Australia's Top 10 Rugby League Legends Who Played Local Footy
1. Clive Churchill | Moree
One of rugby league's greatest ever players, Clive Churchill was a South Sydney legend, Australian captain and one of the original Rugby League Immortals.
After his remarkable career at the highest level, Churchill headed to Moree in country New South Wales, where he continued playing as captain coach in 1961.
2. Johnny Raper | Kurri Kurri Bulldogs
Another original Rugby League Immortal, Johnny Raper was a central figure in St George's extraordinary premiership dynasty.
After his famous career with the Dragons, Raper continued his involvement in Newcastle and country rugby league, including Kurri Kurri.
3. Greg Inglis | Macksville Sea Eagles
Greg Inglis is one of the most recognisable rugby league players of the modern era.
A premiership winner, Australian representative and Queensland State of Origin legend, Inglis was linked with a return to his hometown club, the Macksville Sea Eagles, following his professional career.
His proposed return generated considerable attention across country rugby league.
4. Arthur Summons | Wagga Magpies
Arthur Summons is remembered as one of rugby league's most respected figures, famously appearing alongside Norm Provan in the iconic Gladiators photograph.
Following his Western Suburbs career, Summons headed to Wagga Wagga, where he became captain coach of the Wagga Magpies.
His involvement helped establish an enduring connection with country rugby league.
5. Cliff Lyons | Umina Bunnies
Manly legend Cliff Lyons was one of the most naturally gifted five eighths to play rugby league.
The two time Dally M Medal winner continued playing community rugby league long after his celebrated Manly career, including appearances for the Umina Bunnies on the Central Coast.
6. Jamie Lyon | Ballina Seagulls
Jamie Lyon enjoyed an outstanding career with Parramatta, St Helens and Manly, winning premierships and representing both Australia and New South Wales.
Following his professional career, Lyon continued playing country rugby league, including with the Ballina Seagulls.
7. Noel Kelly | Wollongong
One of the toughest forwards of his generation, Noel Kelly was a Western Suburbs and Australian representative legend.
Kelly continued his rugby league career in Wollongong after his time in Sydney, maintaining his connection with the game at community level.
8. Mick Cronin | Gerringong Lions
Mick Cronin is one of the greatest goal kickers in rugby league history and a Parramatta premiership legend.
His connection to the Gerringong Lions is particularly significant. Cronin represented Australia while playing country rugby league before joining Parramatta and later remained involved with his hometown club.
9. Les Boyd | Cootamundra Bulldogs
Few players developed a reputation quite like Les Boyd.
The former Western Suburbs and Manly forward represented Australia and New South Wales and became one of the most recognisable personalities of his era.
Boyd also returned to the Cootamundra Bulldogs after his professional career, with records documenting appearances during the 1990s.
10. James Maloney | Ourimbah Wyoming Magpies
James Maloney won NRL premierships with the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks and represented New South Wales in State of Origin.
After his professional career, Maloney continued playing rugby league at community level, including with the Ourimbah Wyoming Magpies.
The Full Top 25 Rugby League Legends
Here is our complete ranking of famous rugby league players and their local club connections.
| Rank | Player | Local Club |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clive Churchill | Moree |
| 2 | Johnny Raper | Kurri Kurri Bulldogs |
| 3 | Greg Inglis | Macksville Sea Eagles |
| 4 | Arthur Summons | Wagga Magpies |
| 5 | Cliff Lyons | Umina Bunnies |
| 6 | Jamie Lyon | Ballina Seagulls |
| 7 | Noel Kelly | Wollongong |
| 8 | Mick Cronin | Gerringong Lions |
| 9 | Les Boyd | Cootamundra Bulldogs |
| 10 | James Maloney | Ourimbah Wyoming Magpies |
| 11 | Mark Carroll | Orara Valley Axemen |
| 12 | Glenn Stewart | Western Suburbs |
| 13 | Ron Crowe | West Wyalong Mallee Men |
| 14 | Todd Carney | Byron Bay Red Devils |
| 15 | Terry Campese | Queanbeyan Blues |
| 16 | Gavin Miller | Goulburn / Oberon |
| 17 | Ted Goodwin | Parkes / Forbes |
| 18 | Sam Thaiday | Samford Stags |
| 19 | Mark Riddell | The Oaks Tigers |
| 20 | Jarryd Hayne | Wentworthville Magpies |
| 21 | Kevin Naiqama | Western Suburbs Rosellas |
| 22 | Ben Barba | Souths Sharks |
| 23 | Blake Ferguson | Orange CYMS |
| 24 | Roy Asotasi | Coogee Dolphins |
| 25 | Luke Douglas | Clarence Magpies |
Why Former NRL Players Are Great for Local Rugby League
When a former NRL player pulls on a jersey for a country or suburban rugby league club, the impact can extend well beyond the football field.
These appearances can generate increased interest in local competitions, attract supporters through the gates and give younger players an opportunity to share the field with someone they grew up watching on television.
For smaller country clubs, having a former Australian representative or NRL premiership winner involved can be a memorable occasion for the entire community.
It also highlights something special about Australian rugby league. Even after reaching the highest level of the sport, many players maintain strong connections with the grassroots clubs and communities that helped shape their careers.
Who Have We Missed?
Australia has produced generations of outstanding rugby league players, and plenty have continued playing at local level after their professional careers.
Do you know a former NRL, ARL or NSWRL star who played senior country or suburban rugby league after retiring from the professional game?
Let us know who deserves a spot on the list!
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Whether your club is planning a trip to the Gold Coast, Cairns, Brisbane or somewhere else around Australia, our team can help organise the whole weekend.
Planning your club's next end of season footy trip? Get your FREE and QUICK QUOTE from Mad Monday today!