Sport
15 June, 2026
Maroons legend ‘Alfie’ says ‘play hard’
QUEENSLAND rugby league legend Allan “Alfie” Langer says he is looking forward to meeting Far North fans when he visits Cairns later this month for a sporting luncheon at The Benson Bar and Restaurant.
Mr Langer will be the special guest at a Mud Crab Luncheon on Wednesday 24 June, where guests will hear stories from his playing career while enjoying a two-course lunch featuring a choice of premium mud crab or rib fillet.
Mr Langer told Cairns Local News that one of the highlights of travelling to regional areas was connecting with rugby league supporters.
“The enjoyment of country rugby league, you know, coming to the country areas, but also spreading the news about the mighty Maroons,” he said.
The former Brisbane Broncos premiership-winning halfback, Australian Kangaroos star and State of Origin great remains closely involved with the game and says he enjoys watching the next generation of Queensland players emerge.
“I’m lucky enough to be still involved with the Queensland team and the Broncos, but just to see young men, you know, turn into great men, you know, throughout their careers.”
Reflecting on his own State of Origin career, Mr Langer said his debut for Queensland in 1987 remained a cherished memory, but his comeback series in 2001 stood out above all others. “My favourite memory is when I had a second chance and come back in 2001 and to ever get a second chance, and play Origin again, and have that come back, coming back from England, and having a marvellous decider, and having a win, that was pretty special,” he said.
Mr Langer also offered advice for young rugby league players.
“I just think they just got to enjoy the friendship, enjoy the good times,” he said. “You’ve got to work hard, whatever sport or whatever job you want to be involved in.”
