Greg Conescu
Hooker
Player Bio
- Date of Birth:
- 24 May 1960
- Birthplace:
- Brisbane, Queensland
- Origin Debut:
- 28 July 1981
- Venue:
- Lang Park, Brisbane
Career
Achievements
- Debut game: July 28, 1981 - Lang Park, Brisbane
- The Captains Trophy - 1987 series for Queensland
Career Statistics
- Games
- 20
- Tries
- 2
- Points
- 8
Biography
One of the game’s great characters, Greg 'Turtle' Conescu is widely regarded as the pre-eminent hooker of the 1980s, when he became part of the Maroons’ fabric.
Conescu, a Norths junior, won a Brisbane premiership with the Devils in 1980, aged 20, after making his state debut earlier that year, against New South Wales, under the residential rules.
He made his State of Origin debut the following year, but lost his spot to John Dowling in 1982, only to be honoured with selection in the Kangaroo touring side to Britain and France. In 1983, he regained his Origin jumper, and held on to it until 1988.
Winning a grand final gave me an enormous thrill, but being selected at Origin level the following year was equally satisfying.
Greg Consescu FOG #21
Conescu made his Test debut from Gladstone Brothers in 1984, playing all three matches against the touring Great Britain side. In 1985, he signed with Redcliffe, and toured New Zealand with the Australian team.
He played nine Tests in a seven-year international career; played 20 Origin matches and three other matches for Queensland, as well as touring Papua New Guinea (1983) and New Zealand (1987) with the Maroons.
Conescu was a member of the Redcliffe team which lost 26-8 to Brothers in the 1987 grand final, and then signed with Brisbane Broncos for their inaugural season. He played for the Broncos in 1988 and '89, before retiring.
A successful businessman, Conescu, whose late father, Marcel was a Romanian refugee, has helped support disadvantaged people in Australia and Indonesia.
Former Origin Greats
Queensland Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.