• A Remarkable Story

A Remarkable Story

Glenn Lazarus was born in Queanbeyan, NSW. The eldest of four boys, he grew up in a working class home where he developed a passion for sport. Excelling in swimming, AFL and rugby league, he continued playing league as a teenager progressively working his way up through the local system until he was selected to join the Canberra Raiders. From there, he did not look back. He went on to become one of rugby league’s most capped players. His commitment to the game saw him achieve some of the game’s highest honours and set extraordinary records which are still yet to be broken. He played in six grand finals, winning five of them, three with different clubs – the first for each club – the Canberra Raiders, Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm. In addition to winning a grand final with the Melbourne Storm, he also captained the club to its first premiership victory. He was voted most valuable player in two consecutive Kangaroo Tours, 1990 and 1994 and won multiple State of Origin series with NSW. He has been honoured by the game with inclusion in multiple teams of the decade and century. In June 2021, he was inducted into the NSW Rugby League Hall of Fame.

On retirement from the game, Glenn maintained his involvement through various levels of coaching and continued his involvement with the media. He also volunteered for various organisations including the RSPCA and the SES. But retirement was not easy for Glenn, he battled with depression. In 2013, Glenn was approached by self titled billionaire Clive Palmer to join his political party, the Palmer United Party. Along with Jacqui Lambie and Dio Wang, Glenn was elected to the Australian Senate to represent the people of Queensland and commenced his role as a Senator for the State of Queensland on 1 July 2014. Soon after, Jacqui and Glenn departed the party to pursue their own paths. A double dissolution in 2016 saw Glenn lose his seat. Glenn continues to volunteer and maintain his connection with the game of rugby league as well as undertake speaking engagements.

You only ever get out of life what you are prepared to put in.