Robbie Ross

Newcastle junior (Swansea), an Australian Schoolboy rep in 1992, forced clubmate and Test fullback Robbie O’Davis onto the wing during the 1995 season. Ross, who signed a Super League contract that year, joined Brisbane while the News Ltd fought a battle through the courts to stage its rebel competition. The potent attacking fullback was a revelation with the Broncos, safe under pressure with a striking ability to run the ball back and attack, but honoured his contract with the newly formed Hunter Mariners in 1997. Ross represented NSW in Super League’s Tri-Series competition but following the demise of the Mariners and the unification of the game, quickly secured a contract with the Melbourne Storm. A great start to the 1999 season saw Ross chosen for NSW in the State of Origin series. In the second match of the series, Ross scored the fastest try in Origin history when Ryan Girdler sent him over in the corner from the second ruck of the match. Later that year, Melbourne’s historic grand final win catapulted Ross into the Australian Test team. After making his debut in the first match of the Tri-series competition, the 24-22 loss to NZ, he was replaced by the more experienced Darren Lockyer for the remainder of the series. Ross started the 2000 season in superlative form, scoring 12 tries in 13 matches and retaining his position as NSW fullback, but was ruled out with a knee injury that was more serious than first thought. After being sidelined for the season, Ross returned in 2001 only to be hampered by chronic hamstring trouble. He announced his retirement at the beginning of 2004.