A statue of Ipswich and Queensland rugby league legend Allan ‘Alfie’ Langer was unveiled at Suncorp Stadium this week by Queensland Government sports minister Mick de Brenni.
The statue joins other league legends on the Northern Plaza at the Caxton Street end of the stadium in the same week a new-look Queensland team beat New South Wales 18-14 in game one of State of Origin.
Mr de Brenni said the statue would join fellow Maroon icons Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson, Mal Meninga and Darren Lockyer, already immortalised in bronze.
“Alfie was one of the most successful halfbacks of his era, playing 288 first grade games with the Brisbane Broncos, 34 for Queensland, including five as captain, and 24 for Australia,” he said.
After being cast in bronze for all eternity @QLDmaroons legend Allan Langer said Daly Cherry-Evans was set to usher in a golden age for Queensland as skipper and halfback, via @NRLcom https://t.co/2E9FMIavfh#NRL pic.twitter.com/n5l1YZHdW9
— Joel Gould (@JoelGould6) June 4, 2019
Alfie Langer said he was humbled by the acknowledgement and hoped it would help spur his Maroon teammates to victory.
“It’s a wonderful feeling, for myself, my family and all my former teammates and colleagues that have supported me over the years,” Mr Langer said.
“This is Maroons territory, and I hope the statue will help create an intimidating atmosphere for Blues players and an exciting and encouraging space for Queensland fans to cheer on the best team in the country.”
Former Origin Greats Executive Chairman, Gene Miles said it was an inspiring and worthy achievement.
“Alfie conquered every challenge in the rugby league world, and it’s great his impressive career and contribution to Queensland is being recognised,” Mr Miles said.
“He proved time and time again that size doesn’t matter, that a small player can not only succeed but go on to reach the very highest level in the game,” he said.
>> Alfie joins our list of six Queensland icons with a link to Ipswich
