Tonie Carroll

Barnstorming, NZ-born (Christchurch) centre/lock burst onto the rep scene during Brisbane’s Super League season. After representing his state in the Tri-Series competition, Carroll scored the winning try in the Maroons’ 24-23 win in the opening State of Origin match in 1998, vindicating his place in the team (and coach Wayne Bennett’s faith in him) after his selection had been widely questioned in the press. After missing the deciding match of the series, Carroll snared the lock position from the suspended Peter Ryan in Brisbane’s grand final against Canterbury. Down 12-10 at half-time, a characteristic powerhouse try started a second-half landslide that led to the Broncos’ 38-12 win. After playing in the centres in Brisbane’s grand final win over Easts in 2000, Carroll linked with Wigan (2000-01) and Leeds (2001-02). After originally turning down an offer to play for NZ in 2000’s ANZac Test, Carroll nevertheless turned out for the Kiwis in the World Cup competition after being overlooked for Australian Test selection. He then rejected further opportunities to play with NZ and returned to Brisbane in 2003. After making his return to State of Origin in 2003 he became the first player in 90 years (since Bill Kelly in 1914) to play for both NZ and Australia when selected for the Kangaroos in 2004’s Tri Nation competition. Once again Carroll was forced to defend himself in the media, with coach Wayne Bennett backing his club lock forward by selecting him in five Tests on tour, including Australia’s stunning 44-4 win over Great Britain in the final. Carroll last played for Australia in the 32-16 win over NZ in April 2005 but has remained a regular member of the Queensland State of origin team. In 2006 he was lock forward in the Broncos forward pack that powered their way to grand final victory.