Award winning author Hugh Lunn will deliver the 2016 Ross Livermore Lecture, titled 'The Origin of THE Origin'.
Lunn has had a lifetime love affair with rugby league, starting at primary school at Annerley Junction in Brisbane, as detailed in his book, 'Over The Top With Jim', the biggest selling Australian childhood memoir in history.
He also played for Journalists Rugby League teams, at a time when it seemed every young man employed in the media also wanted to test himself on the football field.
As a journalist with 'The Australian' Newspaper in the 1970s, he won three Walkley Awards.
His book 'Vietnam: A Reporter's War' was the Melbourne Age's Book of the Year in 1985.
In 2009, as part of the state's 150th anniversary celebrations, Lunn was made a 'Queensland Icon'.
Lunn's address will recall his life in rugby league, from playing the game, to watching from the hill at the 'Gabba and from the terraces of Lang Park, as well as his interaction with players and officials.
And, as the title of the lecture suggest, Hugh will give an insight into those turbulent times when Queensland administrators debated the merits of an Origin game, after New South Wales had dominated inter-state football for close to two decades.
His love affair with Origin football has even extended to the stage, with Lunn having penned 'State of Origin. The Musical'.
The Ross Livermore Address, which is staged by the Queensland Rugby League and its History Committee, will be held in the Paddington Room, Suncorp Stadium, on Saturday, June 4 at 10am. It honours the memory of former QRL managing director, Ross Livermore (pictured).
Radio and television personality, John McCoy will MC the function.
Lunn's close friend and fellow author, Adrian McGregor delivered last year's lecture.
Admission is free, and morning tea will be provided. But to help with catering, those wishing to attend are asked to notify the Queensland Rugby League: rugbyleague@qrl.com.au or phone 07 3367 6000.
