KERRY BOUSTEAD

Winger 1983-1986

From Innisfail NQ Kerry Boustead, after making a stunning debut for Queensland as an 18 year old in 1978, became Australia's youngest ever test player later that year and then toured with the Kangaroos. Boustead dazzled his opposition with pace and swerve but he was not just a great winger, he also played in back positions from half to fullback.. He came to Sydney in 1979 to join Easts and played for Queensland in the inaugural state of Origin match in 1980.

He followed coach Bob Fulton to Manly after the 1982 Kangaroo tour. He scored 120 points for Manly in 65 matches. Injuries ruined his career in the mid 80s before making his comeback with Norths in 1988, retiring in 1990. He also played in England for Hull Kingston Rovers.

Boustead played 6 games for NSW scoring 3tries, 9 games for Queensland scoring 8 tries and 25 Tests for Australia scoring 15 tries.

Boustead returned to the game as the CEO of the North Queensland Cowboys in 1995 but resigned as a matter of principle after 5 matches when the Cowboys sold out to Super League.

[Whiticker & Hudson 2002, p. 48-49]