Gary Belcher

A superstar fullback, Gary 'Badge' Belcher remains one of the greatest Maroons to pull on the famous number one jersey.

Belcher’s game was a combination of tremendous agility, fearless kick returns, safe hands and trademark, try-saving defence.

Starting his senior career at Souths Magpies in 1981, Belcher played in the 1982 and 1984 grand final losses to Wynnum Manly, starting at centre alongside Mal Meninga in the 1982 decider.

Belcher played fullback in 1984, and also in 1985, when Souths beat Wynnum Manly 10-8 in the grand final.

He signed for Canberra in 1986, joining a growing Maroon contingent in the lime green. That same year, he made his Queensland State of Origin debut, displacing Maroon's stalwart, Colin Scott from the fullback position.

Belcher went on to play 16 matches for Queensland and was part of series wins in 1987, 1988 and 1989. He played his last match in the first game of the 1993 series.

Belcher played 15 Tests for Australia, making his debut against Great Britain in 1988. He made two Kangaroo tours of Britain and France - in 1986 and 1990 - and also toured New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

To come back and win the 1987 series after being down 1-0 - I don't think too many teams have done it. It was a wonderful series.

Gary Belcher FOG #47

During his time at the Raiders, Belcher won premierships in 1989 and 1990, and played in losing grand final sides in 1987 and 1991.

Belcher spent time on the Broncos' coaching staff, and also has had a number of media roles, in television and radio, including a stint on the Queensland version of 'The Footy Show'.

He also performed voluntary MC work for the Men of League Foundation.

In May, 2021, Belcher was inducted into the Souths Magpies Hall of Fame.