Walter James Lewis AM is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, and coached in the 1980s and 1990s. He became a commentator for television coverage of the sport. A highly decorated Australian national captain, Lewis is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever players of rugby league. His time as a player and coach was followed by a career as a sports presenter for the Nine Network.
Lewis in 2009
Wally Lewis statue outside Suncorp Stadium (Lang Park), Brisbane (2022)
Lewis in 2008
Wally Lewis "The King" in 2004
Australia national rugby league team
The Australian national rugby league team, the Kangaroos, have represented Australia in senior men's rugby league football competitions since the establishment of the game in Australia in 1908. Administered by the Australian Rugby League Commission, the Kangaroos are ranked first in the IRL Men's World Rankings. The team is the most successful in Rugby League World Cup history, having won the competition 12 times, and contested 15 of the 16 finals, only failing to reach the final in the 1954 inaugural tournament. Only five nations have beaten Australia in test matches, and Australia has an overall win percentage of 69%.
The Australian Kangaroos line up to face the New Zealand haka at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup
The Kangaroos performing the war cry prior to the test against Great Britain in 1963 at Station Road.