Mark Coyne (rugby league footballer)
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Mark Coyne is a former Rugby League player for the St. George Dragons, and later the St George Illawarra Dragons, captaining both sides. His main position was as a Centre but sometimes played on the Wing, particularly for representitive sides.
He made his first grade debut in 1989 and impressed with his brilliant right foot step. Coyne made his State of Origin debut in 1990 for Queensland, after impressive performances in the centres for his club. Mark had to bide his time and wait another two years before being selected for Queensland once more. In the second origin of 1992 match Mark popped up a great pass to send Billy Moore over for a try Queensland went on to win the match 5-4. The end of the year saw Coyne play in the 1992 Grand Final, however the Dragons went down 28-8 to the Brisbane Broncos. The following year Coyne again played Origin football, and also saw him set up a great try for Mal Meninga in the second Origin match. Coyne played in the 1993 Grand Final for the Dragons, but once again the Dragons went down to the Broncos 14-6, after being crowned Minor Premiers.
1994 saw Coyne take on the role as captain of St. George, but the Dragons failed to make the finals. However 1994 would prove memorable for Coyne in the State of Origin. With the Maroons down 12-10 with just 40 seconds left, deep in their own half, one of the most amazing try scoring movements evolved. Allan Langer handled the ball twice in the 11-pass movement which was finished by Mark Coyne in the right corner. Mal Meninga converted and Queensland had won 16-12.
1995 saw Coyne's leadership values shine, as captain of St. George, vice captain of Queensland and making his Test debut for the Kangaroos. Queensland won the 1995 Origin series 3-nil, and Australia won the Test series and also the World Cup. 1996 saw Coyne lead the Dragons to another Grand Final, but despite playing a great game himself the Dragons went down controversially to the Manly Sea Eagles 20-8.
Coyne chose to hang up his boots in 1999, whilst playing for the newly merged side, the St. George Illawarra Dragons (a merger of the St. George Dragons and the Illawarra Steelers) after 11 seasons wearing the Red V. In that time he played in 9 test matches 19 origins and over 200 first grade matches, of which over 100 were as captain.
Mark has recently come out of retirement to help out the Joanne Mackay Cancer fund, playing for the St. George All Stars against the USA Tomahawks at Kogarah Oval.
[edit] Career Statistics
207 games for St. George
15 games for St. George Illawarra
19 games for Queensland (State of Origin)
9 games for the Australian Kangroos
3 Grand Final appearances: 1992, 1993, 1996 (missed the 1999 Grand Final against the Melbourne Storm due to injury)
