Roger Gould is to be inducted into the Queensland Rugby Union Hall of Fame as one of the finest fullbacks to play the game.
Gould's exploits as a towering fullback went beyond his prodigious kicking to his loping strikes as an attacker and the comfort that he radiated to teammates who could count on his cool as a last line of defence.
Gould and 2011 Super Rugby-winning captain James Horwill will be two of the four players named to join the QRU Hall of Fame at the Season Launch Long Lunch on Friday, February 6 at the Brisbane City Hall.
You can celebrate the Hall of Fame class of 2026 and usher in the new season in style with a ticket to the gala event.
Gould was without peer during his 65-game career for Queensland in the late 1970s and 1980s as he helped shape some of Queensland rugby's grandest moments.
He had a leading role in Queensland's upset of the All Blacks in 1980 and in a defining era when victories over New Zealand provincial teams were expected, not a surprise. Sharing in the 48-10 defeat of NSW in 1979 was another high.
"It's humbling to be selected for the Hall of Fame knowing the absolutely wonderful ilk of players who have been recognised over the years," Gould said.
"It's an honour.
"The people and lifelong friends I have met around the world are the most magnificent thing that rugby has given me.
"That goes beyond the games and there were some good ones there.
"The win over the All Blacks in 1980 is a standout because no Queensland team had ever done so.
"We had some great wins over NSW but they became monotonous in the era that I played. The tours that Queensland went on to NZ shaped our success and going to smaller places like Te Kuiti, Alexandra, Invercargill and Whangarei to experience the game."
Gould's performances translated to 25 Test appearances for the Wallabies where he earned the plaudits of players like Mark Ella, who wrote this in the book, Path To Victory, after Gould's deeds on the 1984 Grand Slam tour.
"He's the best fullback I've ever seen. Roger is just dynamite. He's strong, safe and although he doesn't look that fast, his long, loping stride can be very deceptive when he gets steam up. Just having Roger there takes the pressure off you," Ella wrote.
A former Queensland captain, Gould's connection to rugby's grassroots has always been strong. He featured in Wests' first premiership side in 1977 and was there again for a second in 1985.
He also coached the Bulldogs to grand finals.
He continues to serve rugby as the QRU President.
