Suncorp Stadium's reputation as the intimidating fortress of the Queensland Maroons has been further bolstered today, with the unveiling of a statue of Queensland rugby league legend Allan 'Alfie' Langer.
Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni unveiled the statue today, as Langer's former team the Queensland Maroons prepare to take on the NSW Blues at the stadium in game one of the 2019 State of Origin series.
"There are two reasons we erect statues in Queensland, to dignify our heroes and to honour the causes that they played great roles in," Mr de Brenni said.
"Among his many career highlights, we all remember when Alfie came back in 2001 to bring the Maroons to victory.
"Hopefully the unveiling of his statue will provide a good omen for this year's Origin side."
Mr de Brenni said the statue would join fellow Maroon icons Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson, Mal Meninga and Darren Lockyer, already immortalised in bronze at the venue's Northern Plaza.
"Alfie was one of the most successful halfbacks of his era, playing 288 first grade games with the Brisbane Broncos, 34 for Queensland, including five as captain, and 24 for Australia," he said.
"Despite his diminutive stature - he was a giant of the game, with his creativity and passion key to the success of the Broncos and Maroons for many years.
"He's inspired so many kids to pick up a ball, join a team and have a go, so that one day they might see themselves immortalised amongst these Queensland greats."
Mr Langer said he was humbled by the acknowledgement and hoped it would help spur his Maroon teammates to victory.
"It's a wonderful feeling, for myself, my family and all my former teammates and colleagues that have supported me over the years," Mr Langer said.
"This is Maroons territory, and I hope the statue will help create an intimidating atmosphere for Blues players and an exciting and encouraging space for Queensland fans to cheer on the best team in the country."
Former Origin Greats Executive Chairman, Gene Miles said it was an inspiring and worthy achievement.
"Alfie conquered every challenge in the rugby league world, and it's great his impressive career and contribution to Queensland is being recognised," Mr Miles said.
"He proved time and time again that size doesn't matter, that a small player can not only succeed but go on to reach the very highest level in the game," he said.
