David Barnhill

Wagga product (later Yanco Agricultural College), Barnhill was graded from the Canberra Juniors (Belconnen) in 1988. The son of Country RL president David Barnhill, he was chosen in the Raiders’ unsuccessful 1991 grand final team before being another victim of the Raiders' salary cap woes. Moving to St George, he was a solid defender in the second row but Barnhill’s 1992 season culminated in another grand final loss - this time to Brisbane. He was a Country Origin rep the following year, only to suffer the same fate at grand final time when St George lost 14-6 to the Broncos. Barnhill represented NSW during the Super League split of 1995 and joined State coach Phil Gould at Easts two years later. The move saw his return to the State of Origin arena in 1998-99 although a suspension for ‘head slamming’ an opponent in 1999 cost him a place in the series decider. Signing with Leeds the following year, Barnhill represented Ireland in the 2000 World Cup competition.