Dale Shearer (born 25 July 1965), also known by the nickname of "Rowdy", is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. A Queensland State of Origin and Australian international representative of Aboriginal heritage, he played club football in Queensland, New South Wales and England. His playing career included a NSWRL Premiership win with Manly-Warringah in 1987 and a Rugby League World Cup Final win in 1988. Ten years after his retirement, Shearer was still the all-time top try-scorer in State of Origin and he was named on the wing of the Indigenous Australian team of the century. Shearer is a captivating speaker who shares his experiences as a professional athlete, the life challenges he has faced, mental health, and overcoming personal adversity. Shearer is a passionate advocate for cancer awareness after losing his wife and father to cancer. Biography Shearer was born in St George, Queensland. Playing career 1980s At the age of 18, Shearer caught the attention of many people during his time at the Queensland club Sarina Crocodiles in the Winfield State League with some impressive performances. Shearer was a member of Mackay's second successful Foley Shield team in 1984, as well as representing Queensland in a match against New Zealand. The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles coach and rugby league Immortal, Bob Fulton, was quick to sign the 19-year-old before anyone else prior to the 1985 NSWRL season. Shearer made his debut for Manly in round 1 of the season against Penrith, before going on to make his State of Origin début for Queensland in the same year. Playing mostly on the wing or in the centres, Shearer played 22 games in his début season for Manly, scoring 8 tries. It would prove to be the most number of club games he would play in a season in his 14-year career. He scored his first try for Manly at their home ground, Brookvale Oval, in their 24-4 win over the reigning premiers Canterbury-Bankstown in round 3. He made his test début on the wing for Australia in 1986 against New Zealand at Carlaw Park in Auckland, scoring a try on debut. Though an injury suffered in the game saw him unavailable for the final two tests against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Lang Park in Brisbane. His good form for Manly, Queensland and Australia saw him selected on the