Greg Oliphant

Rugged halfback started his career with Brisbane Wests before moving to Redcliffe. Playing for Queensland against NSW in 1977 Oliphant felt the full wrath of his NSW opponent Tom Raudonikis. ‘Tom Terrific’, who had been dropped to the reserve bench for the match, turned the tide of the game when he came on to the field and singled out Oliphant for specific attention – even belting him while Oliphant received ambulance attention for an injury! It was the start of a great rivalry between the pair. Oliphant played for Queensland in 1978 before being named as a reserve for the First Test against NZ. He came into the match on the wing when Graeme Eadie was injured, with Terry Fahey moving to fullback. With Raudonikis injured, Oliphant took over the halfback role for the Second Test and later toured with the Kangaroos. Raudonikis played in all Tests on tour while Oliphant was limited to 10 minor tour matches. Oliphant joined Balmain the following year and continued his rivalry with Raudonikis. The two opposed each other in 1980 in the first State of Origin match and at the end of the year fought each other in the ring in a fundraiser for injured Balmain centre Dennis Bendall. (Raudonikis won the match on a TKO after Oliphant suffered a cut eye after being elbowed). Oliphant returned to Brisbane Wests the following year.