Laurie Daley made his debut for the Canberra Raiders in 1987, and by the end of his career had played 244 first grade games with the club, 81 of them as team captain.
During his time with the club he was recognised as the Canberra Raiders Player of the Year on five occasions and received the clubs Best and Fairest Player award several times in his career.
Laurie’s talent was most notably rewarded when receiving rugby league’s greatest representative honour by being selected as part of the NSW State of Origin side. What began as an opportunity of a lifetime, ultimately led to a very successful and extensive representative career in which Laurie played a total of 23 Origin games.
As a further tribute to his sporting talent, Laurie was selected as captain of the Origin side on thirteen occasions. On a national level, Laurie played 34 games for Australia, once again receiving captaincy duties on six occasions.
Major accolades and honours over Laurie’s career include being awarded the Dally M Player of the Year and Five-eighth of the Year in 1995. He achieved similar recognition in 1996 receiving the Dally M Captain of the Year, the Dally M Player of the Year Runner-up, and as a reflection of the respect gained from amongst his fellow peers, was awarded the Players Player of the Year.
Even in a year of rugby league turmoil, Laurie obtained the Super League Player of the Year medal in 1997.
Laurie retired from the game he loves in 2000 in front of one of the largest crowds ever seen at Canberra Stadium. His contribution to the Canberra Raiders has been recognised with the unveiling of the Laurie Daley statue located at the front of their home stadium. This, coupled with his induction into the ActewAGL ACT Sport Hall of Fame, stands as a reflection to one of rugby league’s greatest players ever produced and the impact he made on the ACT community.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Born: 20 October 1969
Inducted: 2004
Full Member