Paul Harragon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paul "The Chief" Harragon (born October 12, 1968) is an Australian rugby league player and sports commentator.
He was raised in the New South Wales town of Kurri Kurri, and played for Lakes United in the Newcastle competition. He joined the Newcastle Knights in 1988 and made his first grade debut in 1989 against the Balmain Tigers.
He was one of the most imposing players of the 1990's, weighing in at around 111kg and standing at 193cm, perfect for his position at front or second row. He represented and captained Country, New South Wales and Australia, and led the Knights to the 1997 ARL title in a thrilling grand final against Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
He excelled at the State of Origin level making 20 consecutive appearances for New South Wales between Game I 1992 and Game II 1998 and is considered one of the toughest, most passionate men to ever grace that arena. He holds the records for the most consecutive Origin games by a New South Welshman and most appearances by a NSW forward. A devasting runner of the football, he was famous for throwing himself at the defensive line in fearsome displays of determination. He is remembered for his ongoing fiery attacking and defensive clashes with Queensland hardman Trevor Gillmeister.
After playing 169 first grade games in a career lasting ten years, the Chief retired in 1999. He played in the first rugby league game at Stadium Australia that year, and scored the first try at that ground as well.
He became a media personality, working for local station NBN Television, and later joined Channel 9 as a member of The Footy Show panel, and as a football commentator. Harragon is also a director and a life member of the Newcastle Knights, and is spokesman for NIB Health Funds.
