Ben Elias

Classy hooker was earmarked for a great career when Balmain put him on a scholarship after starring for Holy Cross Ryde in the Commonwealth Bank Cup competition in 1979. The Lebanese-born, Australian Schoolboy rep was given time to mature in the club's lower grades before making his first grade debut in 1982. In 1985 Elias played in NSW's initial win in a State of Origin series before touring NZ with the Australian side. He made his international debut in the Third Test team thrashed 18-0 by the Kiwis. The following year he was chosen as second-string rake to Royce Simmons on the Kangaroo tour (10 matches, no Tests). Nippy around the rucks, Elias revelled in showing his talent with the ball but was equally adept at leading the way in defence. He was a non-stop worker in the Tigers' grand final losses in 1988-89 (scoring a try in the first match) and held off challenges from Simmons and Brisbane's Greg Conescu to play in Australia's World Cup final win over NZ in 1988. During the 1990s Elias battled the Walters brothers for the top hooker spot and despite being NSW's victorious captain and player-of-the-series in 1990 he was overlooked for Test duty against France and NZ. He made his second Kangaroo tour that year (as vice-captain) and when Australia lost the First Test at Wembley, Elias played in all remaining Tests on tour. (Incredibly, Elias did not play in a Test match on home soil during his career). Relieved of the NSW captaincy after the 1991 series, he was often criticised for try to do ‘too much’ with the ball but it is hard to remember a more whole-hearted competitor for his size. In 1994 Elias overcame a concerted media push for Wests' hooker Jim Serdaris to gain selection in the NSW team and produced a polished ‘team’ game in the Blues' third straight series win. However, despite again being named player of the series, he was overlooked for the one-off Test against France. Elias had long learned that handling the media was a two-edged sword; hastily shelving retirement plans to remain in contention for the Kangaroo Tour he ultimately missed selection for what would have been his third Kangaroo Tour. The then record-holder for first grade appearances with the Balmain club (since beaten by Paul Sironen) Elias announced his retirement as a player in November 1994. Elias later proved to be an outspoken advocate for Balmain’s interests in the merged Wests Tigers club and served as a Balmain representative on the board of the club. Autobiography, Balmain Benny (1993).