Bryan Niebling (born 18 July 1960)[3] is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. Niebling played in the forwards. After a successful Brisbane Rugby League premiership, and representative career for both his state and country, Niebling played in the New South Wales Rugby League premiership for the Brisbane Broncos from their first ever game.

Bryan Niebling
Personal information
Full nameBryan Niebling
Born (1960-07-18) 18 July 1960 (age 64)
Murgon, Queensland, Australia
Playing information
PositionProp, Second-row
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1980–83 Fortitude Valley 67 20 0 0 64
1984–87 Redcliffe 72 13 0 1 53
1988–89 Brisbane 20 2 0 0 8
1989–91 Hull KR 26 2 0 0 8
Total 185 37 0 1 133
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1983–87 Queensland 9 1 0 0 4
1984–87 Australia 13 1 0 0 4
Source: [1][2]

Playing career

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Nicknamed 'Horse', Niebling was a constant thorn in the side of New South Wales forwards during the titanic State of Origin clashes of the early 1980s. His career in the State of Origin arena saw him make 9 appearances while playing for Brisbane Valleys and Redcliffe.

Niebling made his Test début in the second row against Great Britain in 1984, and ultimately played in all three matches of Australia's Ashes whitewash.

Named Redcliffe's player of the season and co-winner of the Brisbane Rugby League premiership's Rothmans Medal in 1986, Niebling toured with the unbeaten Kangaroos and played in 10 matches including all five Tests. The last of Niebling's 13 Test appearances was in Australia's 13-6 loss to New Zealand at Lang Park in 1987. Niebling captained Redcliffe in the 1987 Woolies pre-season, but missed most of the regular season due to injury. He was succeeded as captain of the side by Steve Bleakley, but returned to play in Redcliffe's Grand Final loss to Past Brothers.

By the time the Broncos had entered the New South Wales Rugby League premiership in 1988, his career was winding down because of injury. He later played for Hull Kingston Rovers in 1989-91.[4][5]

References

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  1. ^ "Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org". rugbyleagueproject.org. 31 December 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  2. ^ "Statistics at yesterdayshero.com.au (archived)". yesterdayshero.com.au. 31 December 2017. Archived from the original on 3 October 2009. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  3. ^ Queensland Representative Players at qrl.com.au Archived 19 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ "The thoroughbred from Murgon – Bryan Niebling". men of league.
  5. ^ "Award winner to join list of game's greats like Bryan Niebling". www.news.com.au.
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