Luke Priddis

Canberra junior was chosen in the second match of NSW’s Super League’s Tri-Series competition in 1997 after just a handful of first grade games with the Raiders. The talented hooker made his international debut for Australia as a reserve in the Second Test against NZ and was rewarded for his fine debut season with a place on the Australian Tour of Great Britain at the end of the season. Priddis joined Brisbane in 1999 and played in the club’s grand final victory over the Roosters in 2000. Despite representing NSW in 2001 he was overlooked for Test duty (selectors opted for Newcastle’s Danny Buderus and Penrith’s Craig Gower) and was cut by the Broncos at the end of the year. 2002 saw the hard-working rake at Penrith following the Panthers’ decision to play Craig Gower at halfback. In the 2003 grand final Priddis produced the game of his life; scoring one try and setting up two others as Penrith defeated the Roosters 18-6. Named Clive Churchill Medal winner for his efforts he was desperately unlucky not to have toured with the Kangaroos that year. In 2004 he continued his tireless efforts for the club, appearing in all 26 games during the season, and in 2005 achieved belated Test status when he was a late call-up to the Australian Test team in the 32-16 win over NZ in Brisbane. Priddis was one of the Panthers’ most consistent performers in the disappointing 2005-06 seasons.