Big+MAl

Malcolm Norman Meninga (A.K.A Big Mal, Chicken George) was a famous indigenous rugby league player – he was one of the best. Meninga played Rugby League in the BRL (Brisbane Rugby League Premiership) and the NRL (National Rugby League – the league we see on television today). Meninga’s influence in Rugby League have encouraged other aboriginals to have a go at footy, and shown them that they can get to the top. Meninga was born as an Australian South Sea Islander. His father, Norman, descended from the Kanakas (Islanders captured and brought to North Queensland to work in the cane fields). His mother, Lee, was of Scottish descent. Meninga worked in the Queensland Sugar Industry and was a spokes person for the South Sea Islander Community. He graduated from Maroochydore High School Mal made his first Grade debut in the Brisbane Rugby League Premiership at the age of 18. He played with the “South’s Magpies”. The year later he beat NSW playing for Queensland in State of Origin. Meninga was a spokesperson for the Australian South Sea Islander community. Before becoming a professional footy player, he was a police cadet. Meninga attempted a political career in 2001, and he lasted a mere 28 seconds! Becoming not interested and dizzy in his first radio interview, he resigned on-air 28 seconds after the broadcast commenced.  Meninga Played for Queensland in State Of Origin and helped his state beat NSW in 1980. The year later he helped his team (South’s Magpies) reach the Grand Final and win. Meninga Captained Australia for 23 test matches between 1990 and 1994. Meninga has many records in NRL. Some of them are: · Most points scored in Test matches for Australia (272 – 21 tries, 96 goals) · Most goals kicked in Test matches for Australia (96)  · Most goals kicked in a State of Origin match for Queensland (7 in Game 1 1980), shared with Jonathan Thurston  · Most State of Origins won as coach in a row. 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010.     · The main grandstand at Canberra Stadium is named the "Mal Meninga Stand" in his honor. · The Canberra Raiders' player of the year receives the Mal Meninga Medal in his honour. · In 2003 he was admitted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame. · In February 2008, Meninga was named in the list of Australia's //100 Greatest Players// (1908–2007). · Meninga went on to be named as one of the Centres in National Rugby League’s //Team of the Century//.  Meninga’s efforts in Rugby League have affected the way aboriginals see the game. Mal has influenced the Aboriginals to have a go; you could get to the top if you try. Some aboriginals are great NRL players now, thanks to Mal. Some greats influenced by Meninga include Jonathan Thurston (One of the best players in NRL history), David Peachey (retired) and Wendell Sailor (The big winger).  [] - Wikipedia | Mal Meninga [] - The Official site of Mal Meninga [] - ABC Queensland Conversation stories - Mal Meninga [|www.malmeninga.com.au/quick_facts.php]  - A quick fact sheet on Mal Meninga’s career