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Rod Wishart
Rod Wishart
Rod Wishart
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Rod Wishart (born 15 October 1968) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played the 1980s and 1990s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative goal-kicking winger, he played club football with the Illawarra Steelers and the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the National Rugby League.

Key Information

Background

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Wishart was born in Gerringong, New South Wales, Australia.[citation needed]

Playing career

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Wishart, who played both centre and wing in his junior years, grew up in his home town of Gerringong. There he was coached by former international centre Mick Cronin. He first came to attention in 1988 when he played for Country Firsts. Later in the year he played against Papua New Guinea for both Southern Division and NSW Country, kicking goals in both victories.[3]

Illawarra Steelers

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Wishart played his first match for the Illawarra Steelers in 1989, finished his rookie season as the club's top point-scorer with 84 from 2 tries and 37 goals from his 19 games. [citation needed] During the season he scored a try in the Steelers 18–20 loss to the Brisbane Broncos in the 1989 Panasonic Cup Final at Parramatta Stadium.

He made his State of Origin debut on the wing for New South Wales in 1990 and was considered a certain selection [by whom?] for the 1990 Kangaroo tour though he was ultimately ruled out through injury. [citation needed] In the second test of the 1991 Trans-Tasman Test series against New Zealand at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Wishart became the second Steelers player after Alan McIndoe to be selected to play for Australia and the first Steelers junior to do so. [citation needed] injury was not enough to keep him out of Australia's 40–12 win in the deciding third test at Brisbane's Lang Park, where he scored his second of an eventual 10 test career tries.

Wishart made 22 appearances for New South Wales between 1990 and 1998 in the State of Origin, scoring 66 points from 5 tries and 23 goals. [citation needed] He was NSW first choice goal kicker between 1992 and 1995.

During the 1992 Great Britain Lions tour of Australia and New Zealand, he helped Australia retain The Ashes, playing in the first two tests before missing the third through injury. [citation needed] Injury would also keep him out of Australia's victorious 1992 Rugby League World Cup final team at the end of the 1992 season, the first year in their history in which Illawarra had qualified for the NSWRL finals.

Wishart failed to regain his test place in 1993, despite good performances for the Steelers and NSW, who won their second Origin series in a row with selectors preferring the Brisbane Broncos pair of Willie Carne (who made his test debut in the same game as Wishart in 1991) and Michael Hancock. He was again the Steelers leading point and try scorer for the 1993 season, scoring 118 points from 11 tries and 37 goals.

His goal kicking improved dramatically in the 1994 NSWRL season, and his continued good form at club and state level saw him selected on the wing for NSW in their State of Origin series win over Queensland, while at the end of the season he was selected to go on the 1994 Kangaroo tour. Wishart and teammate Paul McGregor became the first two, and only, Illawarra Steelers players to be selected for a Kangaroo Tour. Rod Wishart went on to be the top point scorer on the tour, scoring a Kangaroo Tour points record of 174 points from 8 tries and 71 goals in 11 games played, beating the record of Michael O'Connor who scored 170 points in 1986. He also played in three of the four tests on tour, coming into the side for the second test against Great Britain at Old Trafford. Two weeks later Wishart was a try scorer in Australia's 23–4 win in the deciding third test at Elland Road two weeks later. He then played on the wing in Australia's 74-0 demolition of France, scoring a personal best of 26 points from a try and 11 goals from 13 attempts. [citation needed] During the 1994 Kangaroo tour, Wishart also played in a non-test international, scoring a try and kicking 7/9 goals as the Kangaroos demolished Wales 46–4 in Cardiff.

In 1995 and 1996, Wishart was awarded the BHP Medal as the Steelers' player of the year. During this time, Wishart remained loyal to the Australian Rugby League during the Super League War. He played in NSW's surprise 3–0 loss to Queensland in the 1995 State of Origin series, though he retained his place on the wing for Australia in all three tests of the 1995 Trans-Tasman series against New Zealand, won 3-0 by the ARL only Australian's (the ARL had ruled that Super League aligned players were not eligible for selection). He top scored for Australia during the series with one try in the third test, and 17 goals, including kicking 5/5 in both the first and second tests. [citation needed]

At the end of 1995, Rod Wishart scored a try in Australia's 16–8 win over England in front of 66,540 at London's Wembley Stadium in the 1995 Rugby League World Cup final.

A serious shoulder injury restricted Wishart to just 5 games in 1997. Injury also restricted him to just 15 games in 1998. [citation needed]

By the end of the Illawarra Steelers final season in 1998, Rod Wishart had set a number of club point scoring records.

  • Most career tries – 68
  • Most career goals – 386
  • Most points in a season – 176 (11 tries, 66 goals) in 1995
  • Most career points – 1,044

St. George Illawarra Dragons

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When the Steelers formed the St George Illawarra Dragons in 1999 with St George, Wishart was a part of the new 25-man squad, however he mostly played from the Interchange bench, with former St George wingers Jamie Ainscough and Nathan Blacklock being selected ahead of him. Following the Dragons' 1999 NRL Grand Final loss, in which Wishart played from the bench, he retired from the NRL.

Post playing

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In 2005, Wishart was named one of the 25 greatest ever New South Wales rugby league team players.[citation needed]

He appeared in the 2006 film, Footy Legends.

Wishart's son Tyran Wishart played for the Illawarra Cutters [citation needed] and currently plays for Melbourne Storm.

His daughter Riley is engaged to Manly Sea Eagles goal-kicking outside back and another Gerringong junior, Reuben Garrick.[4]

References

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Sources

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  • Alan Whiticker & Glen Hudson (2007). The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. Wetherill Park, New South Wales: Gary Allen Pty Ltd. pp. 596–597. ISBN 978-1-877082-93-1.
  • Big League's 25 Years of Origin Collectors' Edition, News Magazines, Surry Hills, Sydney
[edit]
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Rod Wishart

View on Grokipedia
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Rod Wishart (born 15 October 1968) is an Australian former professional footballer who played as a winger and centre, renowned for his goal-kicking prowess, during the late 1980s and 1990s. Primarily associated with the , he became the club's all-time leading points scorer and represented in 22 State of Origin games as well as in 18 Test matches. Wishart's career highlights include winning the Dally M Winger of the Year award in 1991 and the Ken Stephen Medal in 1995 for his contributions to the sport and community. Born in , Wishart began his top-level career with the in 1989 after playing lower grades under coach Mick Cronin. Over nine seasons with the club, he appeared in 154 first-grade matches, scoring 68 tries and 386 goals for a total of 1,044 points, setting records for most points in a season (176 in 1995) and most points in a match (22 on multiple occasions). His debut appearance came in 1990 for , where he scored 5 tries across his 22 games, and he first donned the green and gold for in 1991, accumulating 14 Test tries through 1996. Wishart also featured in five World Cup matches and four series games, contributing to Australia's 1992 victory. In 1999, Wishart joined the newly formed , playing his final season and retiring after their loss to the . Across 177 NRL games, he tallied 78 tries and 1,092 points overall. Post-retirement, Wishart has served as director of the family-owned Wishart Paints business in the region and remains a member of the Team of the Century. His son, , is a professional player for the , who presented Tyran's debut jersey in 2021 and supported his NRL debut in 2022.

Early life

Background

Rod Wishart was born on 15 October 1968 in Gerringong, a small coastal town in the region of , . Wishart's early upbringing took place in the region, including the tight-knit community of Gerringong, known for its industrial heritage and scenic south coast location, where he spent his formative years immersed in local traditions and family life. The region, including Gerringong, has long been a hub for , with the sport deeply embedded in community activities since the establishment of local clubs in the early ; Wishart's initial exposure to the game came through these pervasive local influences, fostering an early interest before formal involvement.

Junior career

Rod Wishart, born and raised in the Gerringong area on the south coast of , began his rugby league journey in local junior competitions. He played primarily as a winger and centre for the Gerringong Lions in the during the 1980s, showcasing speed and versatility on the wing that drew early attention within the competition. Under the coaching of rugby league great Mick Cronin, a former star and local identity in Gerringong, Wishart received mentorship that significantly shaped his early development as a player. Cronin's guidance emphasized discipline and technical skills, with Wishart later crediting him as a key inspiration during his teenage years in the sport; this period helped hone Wishart's abilities. By the late 1980s, Wishart's consistent performances in Gerringong's junior and senior grades, including appearances in high-stakes Group 7 matches, caught the eye of professional scouts, paving the way for his transition to the Illawarra Steelers in 1989.

Club career

Illawarra Steelers

Rod Wishart made his professional debut with the Illawarra Steelers in the 1989 NSWRL season, having come through the junior ranks at Gerringong where he was coached by Mick Cronin. Primarily positioned as a winger or centre, Wishart quickly established himself as the club's primary goal-kicker, leveraging his powerful running style and accurate kicking to become a key attacking threat on the flanks. Over his decade-long tenure from 1989 to 1998, he played 154 first-grade matches for the Steelers, scoring 68 tries and 386 goals for a total of 1,044 points. Wishart's contributions cemented his status as the most prolific scorer in Illawarra Steelers history, holding club records for the most career tries (68), goals (386), and points (1,044). His reliability as a goal-kicker was evident in his 65.09% success rate across 593 attempts, often providing crucial points in tight contests and helping to stabilize the team's backline during a period of competitive inconsistency for the club. In the 1994 season, Wishart's strong form—scoring 8 tries and 49 goals for 130 points in just 13 games—played a pivotal role in his selection for the Kangaroo Tour, where he featured in 11 matches, including the Second Test against , contributing 7 goals in Australia's 38-8 victory. This international recognition underscored his value to the Steelers' squad dynamics, as his leadership and consistency bolstered team morale amid preparations for the eventual 1999 merger with St. George. Seasonally, Wishart shone as the club's top point-scorer in 1989 with 82 points from 2 tries and 37 goals in 19 appearances, marking a promising rookie year despite the team's struggles. He repeated the feat in 1993, amassing 118 points through 11 tries and 37 goals over 21 games, a standout campaign that highlighted his growth into a reliable finisher and kicker during the NSWRL's expansion era. These performances exemplified his broader impact, blending try-scoring prowess with goalkicking precision to drive the Steelers' offensive output across multiple seasons.

St. George Illawarra Dragons

Following the merger between the and ahead of the , Rod Wishart transitioned to the newly formed , bringing his experience as a prolific winger and goal-kicker to the club. His established legacy with the Steelers, including club records for most career tries and points, contributed to his inclusion in the inaugural Dragons lineup. During the 1999 season, Wishart featured in 23 games for the Dragons, primarily on the wing, where he scored 10 tries and kicked 4 goals for a total of 48 points. As a versatile and reliable performer in the team's debut year, he helped the Dragons secure a strong campaign, finishing second on the ladder and advancing to the . Wishart played a supporting role in the Dragons' run to the , entering the match against the from the bench in a narrow 20–18 loss at . The defeat marked the end of his professional career, as he announced his retirement shortly afterward at age 30, having initially considered a switch to that ultimately did not materialize.

Representative career

New South Wales Blues

Rod Wishart made his State of Origin debut for the Blues in Game 1 of the 1990 series against , marking the beginning of a distinguished representative career that spanned until 1998. Over the course of his tenure, he appeared in 22 Origin matches, scoring 5 tries, 23 goals, and accumulating 66 points in total. His selection was bolstered by strong form at club level with the , where his speed and finishing ability on the wing caught the attention of selectors early in his career. Wishart's contributions were particularly notable for his reliability as a goal-kicker in high-stakes encounters, often providing crucial points in tight contests. In the 1992 series, for instance, he successfully converted three out of four goal attempts in Game 1, helping secure a 14-6 victory that set on the path to series success. His defensive charging and try-scoring prowess shone in key moments, such as his try in the 1996 series opener, which contributed to a 14-6 win and set the tone for ' dominant 3-0 series triumph that year. These performances underscored his value in pressure situations, where his accuracy from the sideline proved instrumental. Wishart played a pivotal role in multiple series victories for the , including the 1990 (2-1), 1994 (2-1), and 1996 (3-0) triumphs over , where his consistent presence on the wing provided stability and scoring threat. By 1998, as a seasoned campaigner in the ' squad during a challenging 0-3 series loss, he had established himself as a figure, drawing on nearly a decade of experience to mentor younger players amid intense rivalry. His longevity and dependability cemented his status as one of ' most reliable performers in the Origin arena.

Australia Kangaroos

Rod Wishart made his international debut for the Australia Kangaroos in the first Test against on October 6, 1991, in Goroka, where he scored three tries in a dominant 58–2 victory. His strong performances in served as a key stepping stone to securing a spot in the national team. Over his international career from 1991 to 1996, Wishart played 18 Test matches, scoring 14 tries and kicking 50 goals for a total of 156 points, establishing himself as a reliable winger and primary goal-kicker. Wishart's standout contribution came during the 1994 Kangaroo Tour of and , where he played 11 games, including the series against , scoring 8 tries and 71 goals for 174 points to become the tour's top point-scorer. As a key winger, he featured in all three Tests, contributing 1 try and 10 goals across the series, which won 2–1, with notable performances including 7 goals in the second Test victory at . His goal-kicking accuracy and finishing ability were instrumental in maintaining 's dominance in the series. In the , Wishart played five matches for the victorious , scoring 3 tries and 2 goals for 16 points, including the opening try in the final against at , which won 16–8 to retain the title. Throughout his tenure, Wishart's role as a versatile winger and dependable goal-kicker proved vital in major tournaments like and World Cups, helping secure multiple series wins during a dominant era.

Post-playing life

Achievements and honours

Rod Wishart is recognized as the greatest point-scorer in history, amassing 1,044 points from 154 appearances, including 68 tries and 386 goals. Across his entire club career with the and , he played 177 games, scoring 78 tries and 390 goals for a total of 1,092 points. In representative football, Wishart made 22 appearances for the Blues in from 1990 to 1997, contributing 5 tries and 23 goals for 66 points. He earned 18 Test caps for the , scoring 14 tries and 50 goals for 156 points, and was part of the victorious 1995 Rugby League World Cup-winning squad. His international honours also include participation in series wins in 1992 and 1994, as well as Test series victories against in 1991 and 1995. Wishart received individual accolades during his career, including the Dally M Winger of the Year award in 1991 and the Ken Stephen Medal in 1995 for his contributions to the sport and community. Post-retirement, he was named one of the 25 greatest-ever players in 2005 by the . In 2011, as part of the Illawarra Rugby League centenary celebrations, Wishart was named on the wing in the Illawarra . Wishart's legacy endures as a benchmark for goal-kicking accuracy in 1990s rugby league, renowned for his sharp-shooting prowess that elevated standards for wingers as reliable point-scorers.

Personal life

Following his retirement from professional in 1999, Wishart settled in the region, where he has continued to live with his family and maintain strong ties to the local community. Post-retirement, Wishart serves as director of the family-owned Wishart's Paint Solutions, an automotive and industrial paint distributor based in Unanderra, . In 2006, he made a brief as himself in the Australian comedy-drama film , portraying a player on an opposing team alongside other former professionals. Wishart is married to Gillian, and the couple has three children. Their son, , is a professional player who, as of 2025, serves as a halfback and utility for the in the . Their daughter Riley became engaged to Manly Sea Eagles winger Reuben Garrick in February 2024. In recent years, Wishart has remained active in media, appearing on podcasts to discuss his life and experiences. Notable 2025 appearances include episodes of Mornings with Matt White in September, where he spoke about his family and ongoing fitness, and Get 'Em Onside in the same month, reflecting on his upbringing in Gerringong.

References

  1. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/rod-wishart/summary.html
  2. https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/7798169/steelers-record-point-scorer-rod-wishart-praises-clubs-pioneers/
  3. https://www.nrl.com/annual/nrl/clubs/dragons/illawarra-club-records/
  4. https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/04/16/wing-commanders-sailor-el-masri-named-simply-the-best/
  5. https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/09/26/where-are-they-now-1999-nrl-grand-finalists/
  6. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/he-s-always-fully-supportive-tyran-wishart-carries-dad-s-legacy-back-into-nrl-with-storm-20220217-p59xfs.html
  7. https://group7.com.au/history/
  8. https://www.thebuglenews.com.au/NewsStory/lions-roaring-in-gerringong-for-more-than-a-century/68007d0eaa302e002ddb566e
  9. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/mighty-mick-an-inspiration-wishart-20080319-gds5ys.html
  10. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nswrl-1989/illawarra/summary.html
  11. https://afltables.com/rl/scorers/players/R/Rod_Wishart.html
  12. https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/09/26/party-like-its-1999-how-storm-upset-dragons-to-kick-off-purple-reign/
  13. https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2015/08/13/turn-back-time--rod-wishart/
  14. https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/07/25/1992-origin-rewind-good-as-gould-for-the-blues/
  15. https://www.theroar.com.au/rugby-league/nrl/state-of-origin/results/
  16. https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/08/15/1994-origin-rewind-blues-overcome-maroons-miracle/
  17. https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/06/16/squaring-up-at-suncorp-blues-look-to-channel-the-class-of-98/
  18. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/kangaroos-tour-1994/summary.html
  19. https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/30/sports/IHT-australians-retain-rugby-league-title.html
  20. https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/638289/centenary-celebrations-were-worth-the-effort/
  21. https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/8781654/wisharts-pride-as-son-tyran-leads-storm-in-nrl-grand-final/
  22. https://www.wishartspaintsolutions.com.au/about
  23. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/footy-legends/cast-and-crew/
  24. https://leagueunlimited.com/news/illawarra-names-its-team-of-the-century
  25. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13067289/NRL-Manly-Sea-Eagles-Reuben-Garrick-engaged-long-term-girlfriend-Riley-Wishart.html
  26. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-tuesday-rod-wishart-16-09-25/id1536354566?i=1000726980505
  27. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RDzy9KNsVMLIUOA49ELXX
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