The Captains of Origin

Commissioned by Australia Post Jamie Coopers 2.7metre tribute to the QLD Captains will be unveiled at the "Former Origin Greats" charity lunch on June 15.

The project was commissioned to celebrate Origins 30th anniversary but also to promote the amazing work of the QLD charity - FOGS (Former Origin Greats). FOGS is a non-profit organization committed to helping communities and charities in Queensland. Once retired from representative football a Queenslander becomes a FOG - playing for Queensland on the field and helping Queenslanders off the field.

Please visit www.fogs.com.au for more information.

Australia Post, the project sponsor will be selling 5,000 low end prints at Aust Post outlets during the Origin series and FOGS will be selling 250 high end prints signed by each captain.

Here is the Story of the painting -




Since 1980 only 12 men have been bestowed with the honour of leading the state of Queensland into battle against the enemy, New South Wales. On this the 30th anniversary of State of Origin, we pay tribute to this elite group, the Captains of Origin. Whilst these men, all acknowledged legends of Rugby League have led with dignity, pride and fearless endeavour they remain at heart a bunch of down to earth lads who share a very special bond.




In this unique scene, artist Jamie Cooper, brings to life our Captains sharing the spoils of victory in the players room at Suncorp Stadium. There are many stories and rumours about players, their personalities, habits, rituals and their sense of humour. In this painting the artist gives a rare glimpse into the lighter side of these warriors as they wind down after doing battle -




Darren Lockyer is known for saying very little post game. He generally sits quietly, hand on chin and thinks about each play of the game. Here he sits posed aptly as Auguste Rodins The Thinker.




Allan Langer turned up to his 1st ever Origin training session having travelled from Ipswich on the old rattler carrying a worn out brown suitcase.The boys have quietly placed it on top of his locker for a laugh. Alf is also fiercely afraid of the dark so he has his own special emergency lamp in his locker. Rumour has it he also needs a bucket pre game; a result of nervous energy.




Kevin Walters only captained one Origin game and it was a heavy loss. When told of his inclusion in the painting he remarked that he was barely qualified to carry the drinks...touche.




In the locker behind Gilly is a fire axe marked In case of emergency - Get Trevor! in reference to his nickname The Axe. He still has a hospital ID on his wrist and a drip needle in his arm as Gilly once famously checked himself out of hospital to play a match.




The KingWally Lewis always drove the team bus. Whilst he thought he was giving the guys an inspiring ride to the game the white faces and lurching stomachs of the rest of the team suggests his driving might have been a touch on the wild side. Here Wally is holding the bus keys reminding the boys of the ride home. Note the sign above his locker.




Big Mal was unceremoniously dubbed Chicken George due to his love of chicken. For breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here Mal celebrates with ...not a beer but a drumstick.




Shane Webcke is a real farm boy and proud of his country roots. He often heads straight back to the bush after a game. Here he wants to know who stuck the Tractor Club postcard in his locker as he grabs his flannelette shirt.




There is always a chuckle when it comes to describing Fatty Vautins warm up routine. Whenever the team was instructed to stretch Fatty would comically sway from side to side. Here Jamie Cooper performs the impossible - Fatty Stretching...or trying to! Whilst he is sheepishly searching the room for the trainers one of the boys has quietly placed an old and unflattering Lowes catalogue next to him.




Arthur Beetsons pre game and post game ritual usually involved a specific dietry supplement - meat pies! Here Arthur indulges with the 1st of 6 for the evening. Adrian Lam smiles ruefully at the ability of the big man.




Cam Smith has brought along a copy of Bill Harrigans Rule Book to tease Gorden Tallis. Gordy reacts as usual to any reference to Harrigan and wants to tear it to pieces. Tallis was famously sent off after telling Harrigan he didnt know the rules.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• state of origin
• origin
• maroon
• queensland
• 30 years
• wally lewis
• allan langer
• darren lockyer
• fatty vautin
• arhtur beetson
• gorden tallis
• lang park
• suncorp stadium

[SwingwenuSwagga]

Artist clearly has a boner for Locky.

[nickersucker]

saw this at the post office today. looks interesting. Didn't understand why Lockey was portrayed as being so buff though. How much are they. I didn't catch the price.