Luke Rooney

Penrith junior made his first grade debut as a winger while still in high school in 2001 (St Dominic’s College). Rooney used his pace and strength to good effect with the Panthers and quickly developed his positional play and ability to finish off a try. In 2003, the year Penrith won the premiership, Rooney crossed for 17 tries including a brilliant two-try effort in the 18-6 grand final win against the Roosters. The following year the galloping flankman made his State of Origin debut and although Penrith faltered in the finals, Rooney was selected in Australia’s Tri Nations squad. Rooney’s form at international level was a revelation – scoring two tries on debut in the 16-all draw with NZ in Auckland and crossing for a match-winning double against Great Britain in Manchester. Rooney finished the tour as the leading try-scorer of the competition (6 tries in 5 Tests) and at 21 years of age appeared to be the complete representative player. Although he again played for NSW and Australia in 2005, however he seemed to suffer most from the retirement of Penrith centre Ryan Girdler and tries dried up to just six in the 2005-06 seasons.