TOP 10 RUGBY LEAGUE FAMILIES

1. Hughes
Over two generations the Hughes family established a unique record at the Bulldogs with six family members all appearing in first grade grand finals and all six remaining loyal to the one premiership club. Brothers Garry (163 games, 1974-84), Mark (174 games, 1974-83) and Graeme (127 games, 1974-82) paved the way, all three appearing in the club’s victorious 1980 grand final side and later Garry’s sons Glen (178 games, 1992-2004), Steven (70 games, 1993-2001) and Corey (202 games, 1998-2008*) all made weighty contributions.

Kevin Walters © Action Photographics

2. Walters
The Walters brothers Steve, Kevin and Kerrod share a remarkable piece of Australian league history as the only instance of three brothers representing their country. In 1992 all three were chosen in the Australian World Cup squad which travelled to England for three warm-up matches and the World Cup Final at Wembley. Older brother Steve (16 Tests and World Cup matches) was the most prominent, earning selection in the top 100 players of the century, while twins Kevin (11 Tests & WC) and Kerrod (8 Tests & WC) were also high achievers.

3. Mortimer
The Canterbury Bulldogs earned a reputation as a family club in the 1970s when three Hughes brothers and three Mortimers (Steve, Peter and Chris) were all prominent  members of the first grade team. All six appeared in grand finals in 1979 (losing to St George) and 1980 (when they defeated Easts). Three Mortimer boys represented New South Wales, while Steve and Chris both played for Australia, while a fourth brother Glenn, represented Australian Schoolboys.

Steve Walters © Action Photographics

4. Quinlivan
The Quinlivans were a prominent footballing family raised in the NSW mid-north coast settlement of Cundletown. Five Quinlivan boys made it as far as first grade, while two represented New South Wales against Queensland. Oscar, Clinton, Alan, Leon and Jack all appeared in first grade for South Sydney between 1923 and 1948, while Alan (Easts) and Clinton (University and Canterbury) also turned out for other clubs. Oscar and Alan represented the state.

5. Raper
The exploits of Johnny Raper ensured that the Raper name was among the most famous to grace rugby league fields in Australia over the second half of the 20th century. Johnny “Chook” Raper was the first of five brothers to make it to the top grade, eventually earning Test status and later being named as an Immortal and a member of the Team of the Century. He was followed into first grade by younger brothers Ron and Maurie and twins Peter and Gerard. A second generation headed by John’s sons Aaron and Stuart rose to prominence in the 1990s.

6. Pearce
The Pearce name has been revered in rugby league for 100 years. It was prominent from the outset through Sid “Sandy” Pearce, who was a pioneer of the game and was recognised as the code’s first great hooker. He toured twice with the Kangaroos and was still good enough to represent Australia at the age of 38. His son Sid “Joe” Pearce followed him into the national team by 1932, the pair earning the distinction as the first father and son to play rugby league for Australia. Pearce junior developed into one of the game’s greatest second-rowers.

Kerrod Walters © Action Photographics

7. Gartner
For 70 years after family patriarch Joe Gartner made his debut for Newtown in 1931, the Gartner name was rarely missing from first grade playing lists. Joe played in Newtown’s premiership-winning team of 1933 and later brothers Ray and Jim and nephew Clive all played in the top grade for Canterbury, while grand nephews Russel and Daniel earned prominence at Manly. Both played over 100 first grade games for the club and both represented Australia.

8. King
The Kings are one of only a handful of families who have boasted three generations of first-graders. First there was Cec King, who played a handful of games on Souths’ wing in 1945-46, then his son Johnny rose to stardom with the Dragons in the 1960s, scoring 143 tries in 191 games before grandson David made it to first grade with the Gold Coast Seagulls (nine games, 1991-92).

9. Mullane
Three generations of Mullanes made significant contributions to the premiership over the second half of the game’s first century. Centre Mick Mullane played for Newtown and St George (1947-53), rising to interstate selection in 1950, sons Greg (Canterbury and Cronulla) and Mick (Cronulla) both played over 100 first grade games in the 1970s and 1980s, while grandson Jye played 24 top grade games for Cronulla and Manly (2001-04).

10. Heidke
A German immigrant family which settled at Bundaberg on the central Queensland coast spawned three Australian representatives. Winger Bill Heidke was a member of Australia’s First Kangaroos in 1908-09; brother Harry represented Australia against the Maoris in 1909, while Bill’s son Les “Monty” Heidke played nine Tests for Australia in the 1930s.