Martin Lang

Martin Lang is part of Queensland Rugby League folklore, following his inspirational chase of New South Wales winger Rod Wishart in Martin's Origin debut in 1998. Martin followed in his father, John's footsteps into the Origin side.

John, who played 24 games for Queensland in the 1970s, was a member of the inaugural Origin side in 1980, chosen from Easts Roosters in Sydney. When Martin was chosen to make his Origin debut from Cronulla, he became the first player to follow his father into the Origin history books. Martin played his junior football with Easts Mt Gravatt, and came through the ranks at Cronulla, after John was recruited as coach, from Brisbane Easts. 

I was honoured to be thought of, let along selected. It was a great feeling. What they say about Origin true. It's so fast and physical. 

Martin Lang FOG #109

A totally committed player, Lang put his body on the line for his team. Debuting for Cronulla in 1996, Lang's breakthrough season came in 1998 when he played two Origin matches and was named Sharks Player of the Year.

Father and son transferred from Cronulla to Penrith in 2002, and the following year made further history, in winning a NRL premiership. Lang and Joel Clinton were the props in Penrith's 18-6 grand final win over the Roosters.

Lang retired at the end of the 2004 season.

Off-field, his legacy is evident in his studies in neuroscience, and the fact he is a University of Queensland Brain Institute ambassador. An exercise scientist, he spent a period as Gold Coast Titans' performance coach. He also is involved in the medical device industry.