Wally Lewis
Overview
Wally Lewis is one of the greatest rugby league players of all time. Known as “The King” for his performances for Queensland and Australia, he captained the Maroons in 30 State of Origin games and Australia in 23 Tests, and was named a Rugby League Immortal in 1999. Today he is also an advocate for brain health and a Dementia Australia Ambassador, speaking openly about his own experience.
Who is Wally Lewis?
Born in Brisbane, Wally Lewis was a gifted all-round sportsman who toured with the 1977 Australian Schoolboys rugby union team before committing to rugby league. He played in Queensland’s first State of Origin team in 1980 and became captain the following year, leading the Maroons in 30 of his 31 Origin games through to 1991. He won a record eight Origin man-of-the-match awards and spearheaded Queensland’s dominance through the 1980s. He became known as “The King” and “The Emperor of Lang Park.”
He played 33 Tests for Australia from 1981 to 1991 and captained his country from 1984 to 1989. He was a member of the undefeated 1982 Kangaroos and captained the undefeated 1986 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France. In 1988 he played through a broken arm to lead Australia to victory over New Zealand in the World Cup final at Eden Park. At club level he played for Fortitude Valley, Wakefield Trinity, Wynnum-Manly, the Brisbane Broncos (as their first captain) and the Gold Coast Seagulls. He later coached Queensland in 1993 and 1994.
Wally was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and was one of the six inaugural members of the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame. He was named a Rugby League Immortal in 1999 and selected at five-eighth in the Australian Rugby League Team of the Century in 2008. A bronze statue of him stands outside Suncorp Stadium. After his playing days he spent more than two decades as a sports presenter with Nine News in Queensland, before stepping away in 2023. Since revealing that year that he is living with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), he has become a leading voice for concussion awareness and brain health.
Career highlights
Rugby League Immortal (1999)
31 State of Origin games for Queensland, 30 as captain
Record eight State of Origin man-of-the-match awards
33 Tests for Australia, 23 as captain (1984 to 1989)
Member of the undefeated 1982 Kangaroos and captain of the undefeated 1986 Kangaroos
Captained Australia to the 1988 World Cup final win
Five-eighth in the Australian Rugby League Team of the Century (2008)
Inaugural member of the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Bronze statue at Suncorp Stadium
Dementia Australia Ambassador and advocate for brain health
Key speaking themes
Leadership and captaincy
Performing under pressure on the biggest stage
Teamwork and pride in the jersey
Resilience and facing adversity
Concussion, brain health and looking after yourself
Ideal for
Leadership and CEO conferences
Sports and community events
Health, wellbeing and brain health events
Corporate hospitality and rugby league functions
Queensland and regional events
Awards nights and gala dinners
Frequently asked questions
What does Wally Lewis speak about?
Wally Lewis speaks about leadership, captaincy, performing under pressure, resilience and brain health.
Why is Wally Lewis called “The King”?
Wally Lewis earned the name “The King” for his dominant performances for Queensland in State of Origin, where he captained the Maroons 30 times and won a record eight man-of-the-match awards.
How many Tests did Wally Lewis play for Australia?
Wally Lewis played 33 Tests for Australia between 1981 and 1991 and captained his country from 1984 to 1989.
When was Wally Lewis named an Immortal?
Wally Lewis was named a Rugby League Immortal in 1999.
How do I book Wally Lewis as a speaker?
Wally Lewis is available to book through Essential Talent. Call 0508 825 368 or use the enquiry form on this page.