Laurie Spina

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Laurie Spina

Laurie Spina (born May 21, 1963), Rookie Year 1983.

Laurie Spina was continually a stand-out player during his junior years in the Herbert River local league competition. His commitment and consistency landed him his first Foley Shield match against previous year title holders, Mt Isa. From that day Laurie Spina never looked back, taking out man of the match honours on his debut. He continued to represent Herbert River and was even a squad member of the undefeated Herbert River team in 1982 and that very remarkable drawn Foley Shield final in Townsville against Townsville.

After the unforgettable Foley Shield final, Sydney talent scouts pencilled his name down and in 1983, Laurie was playing New South Wales Rugby League playing for North Sydney Bears.

[edit] North Sydney Bears & Eastern Suburbs Roosters

After two seasons with the North Sydney Bears, Spina moved to Eastern Suburbs Roosters where he stayed until 1989. In 1987 many judges thought Spina would wear the Maroon for Queensland in the State of Origin series after playing in the 'Queensland Country' team against the 'Queensland City ' in a much-publicised match at Lang Park when he played alongside Sam Backo, another Ingham product, but a young Ipswich player, Allan Langer took his chance.

[edit] Cronulla Sharks

After spending the 1990 season with Cronulla Sharks, the New South Wales club dropped into a period of poor form and financial troubles, but the appointment as coach of rugby league Immortal, Arthur Beetson, helping to turn on-field problems around. During this time Laurie moved back to his home North Queensland and once again played for Herbert River.

[edit] North Queensland Cowboys

His form stayed with him at Herbert River and when the North Queensland Cowboys entered the Australian Rugby League competition in 1995, Spina again played the game at the top level with the Townsville based newcomers. During the Cowboys debut season, Laurie Spina incredibly played the house down getting himself in line once more for another crack at State selection. Unfortunately for him selectors chose Papua New Guinea captain Adrian Lam.

Cowboys Statistics