AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYERS – GRAEME LANGLANDS

Graeme Langlands stands out as one of the most iconic figures in rugby league history. Known for his exceptional skills and leadership, Langlands left an indelible mark on the St George and Australian rugby league teams. His career is celebrated for his remarkable achievements and enduring legacy.

Early Success with St George

Graeme Langlands began his illustrious career with the St George Dragons, where he quickly established himself as a key player. During his time with the Dragons, Langlands played in four Grand Final-winning sides, showcasing his incredible talent. Notably, in the 1966 Grand Final against Balmain, he kicked seven goals, securing victory for St George. Moreover, he was the competition’s leading point scorer in the 1971 and 1973 seasons. Consequently, Langlands became the Dragons’ top point scorer in first grade for ten seasons between 1963 and 1975. His consistent performance on the field made him a cornerstone of the St George team.

Leadership and Influence – Graeme Langlands

Langlands’s influence extended beyond his on-field prowess. He was instrumental in keeping the St George team competitive during the late 1960s and early 1970s, a period when many of the club’s stars from their long reign had departed. Furthermore, his partnership with Billy Smith provided the team with the necessary edge to maintain their dominance. As a result, Langlands’s leadership ensured that the Dragons remained formidable opponents up until 1975.

International Career and Captaincy – Graeme Langlands

In addition to his success with St George, Graeme Langlands also had an outstanding international career. He first captained Australia in the 1970 Ashes series and continued to lead the team, barring injuries, for the next five years. Additionally, he served as the Captain-Coach for the 1972 World Cup series, the 1973 Kangaroo tour, and the 1974 Test Series against Great Britain. In the 1974 series, Langlands delivered a memorable performance in the deciding third game. Scoring a try and kicking five goals, he helped Australia secure a 22-18 victory, thus winning the Ashes. This match was a defining moment in Langlands’s career, and his teammates carried him aloft from the field, with the crowd chanting his nickname, “Changa.” Consequently, Australia has not lost the Ashes to Great Britain or England since that series. Langlands last captained Australia in their undefeated four-match campaign during the 1975 World Cup, further cementing his legacy as a legendary leader.

Celebrating St George and Langlands’s Legacy

The legacy of Graeme Langlands is celebrated through the Ellis Rugby Vintage Australia Rugby League collection. This collection features Polos, T-Shirts, and Rugby Shirts that pay tribute to the great St George and Australia Rugby League teams. These stylish garments capture the spirit of Langlands’s era, allowing fans to honor his contributions to the sport. Therefore, the collection serves as a fitting homage to one of rugby league’s greatest players and the teams he helped make legendary.