Prior to the test, Meninga created controversy around the rugby league world after selecting Fijian born player Semi Radradra, who is eligible due to living in Australia for three years, in his team over other 'homegrown' Australian players. Was Wayne Bennett one of the most significant signings in the history of the Canberra Raiders? Meninga recovered from the setbacks as a more mature and more consistent player. The weekend after Queensland won its sixth straight series, Mal Meninga penned a column in Brisbane's The Sunday Mail attacking the NSW media and match review panel, and labelling them "rats and filth" after he believed that they [the NSW media] had tried to sabotage his side's attempts at winning their sixth successive series by charging Johnathan Thurston and David Taylor with on-field incidents (only the latter was suspended) and also attacking NSW coach Ricky Stuart over his decision not to reveal the Blues line-up up to one hour before kick-off (which is when the official team lists must be released prior to a match). In February 2008, Meninga was named in the list of Australia's 100 Greatest Players (19082007) which was commissioned by the NRL and ARL to celebrate the code's centenary year in Australia. By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's, Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra, Exhibition Gallery, National Library of Australia (Parkes Place -Canberra ACT 2600), National Museum of Australia Lawson Crescent Acton, ACT 2601, Grass fire sparked near Majura Firing Range, Two people killed in highway crash near Gunning, Man accused of breaking the law one hour after receiving bail, Jail for attacker that made racist remarks, assaulted sleeping stranger at campground, 'No longer able to continue': Occupational violence pushing paramedics to the brink, Canberra Liberals' election review set to be released to party members, Robodebt shows just how far APS independence has been eroded, says Podger, Minister vowed to double down on Robodebt even when told it was illegal, royal commission hears, Department of Finance executives encouraged conduct in alleged fraud conspiracy, barrister claims. All rights reserved. Also in 1990, Meninga's deeds in leading the successful Kangaroo tour saw him named as Britain's BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year, the first rugby league player to win it. He was appointed head coach of his old club, the Canberra Raiders in Australia's Super League season in 1997. Mal Meninga is a member of the following lists: 1960 births, Members of the Order of Australia and Australian rugby league players. Mal Meninga married Debbie when he was 19 years old, and the couple has two children together. Griffin has signed plenty of tough guys and the plan to bash and barge their way up the ladder will need to succeed quickly as Griffin has a year left on his deal. 04/10 You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content, Rugby League Week Player of the Year: 1990, Australian Rugby League Team of the Century: 2008, Rated No. Because Don Furner [Senior] was the Raiders coach, it was a pretty easy decision to go there.. Canberra Raiders legend Mal Meninga still bleeds green for his former club. He scored the Raiders first points in their maiden Grand Final appearance with a penalty goal early in the second half to reduce the deficit to 62 after eventual Clive Churchill Medal winner Cliff Lyons had scored for the Sea Eagles before half time allowing them to take a 60 lead into the break. Picture: Glenn Hampson. Roo shock for Meninga with NRL to slash $450,000 pay packet. Hailing from Tanna Island the . Connect any celebrity with Mal Meninga to see how closely they are linked romantically! His popularity and playing record as a domestic and international captain were valuable in raising the profile of the rebel competition. The only thing the clubs should be discussing is the codes vaccination policy and perhaps rolling that out now, while the players are together. Post season he toured Europe with the undefeated 1982 Kangaroos, playing in all six tests on tour against Papua New Guinea, Great Britain and France. His zodiac sign is Cancer. SBS.galleries.push({images:[{"image":"https:\/\/www.sbs.com.au\/programs\/sites\/sbs.com.au.programs\/files\/styles\/big_picture\/public\/6.-father-norm-mum-leona-mal-geoff.jpg?itok=8E0mMXvu","thumb":"https:\/\/www.sbs.com.au\/programs\/sites\/sbs.com.au.programs\/files\/styles\/thumb_small\/public\/6.-father-norm-mum-leona-mal-geoff.jpg?itok=tTnONzWh","caption":"
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