JULY 1988

Gold Coast Giants’ coach, Bob McCarthy labelled forward, Keith Neller State of Origin material after watching him star against a well regarded Illawarra Steelers’ pack at Seagulls’ Stadium, West Tweed Heads. Gold Coast won 25-10 with former New South Wales Origin winger, Neil Hunt scoring two tries. The Steelers’ pack included the likes of Chris Walsh, Cavill Heugh, Ian Russell and Jeff Hardy.

Gold Coast halfback, Geoff Bagnall had a blinder, and, like McCarthy, gave much of the credit to the platform laid by the forwards, led by Neller, who had played for Valleys in Brisbane and Halifax in England. Neller did not get to play for Queensland.

Photo: Chris Walsh tries to evade Chris Close.