Ray Higgs
Second Row
Player Bio
- Inducted:
- 2011
- Date of Birth:
- -
- Birthplace:
- Roma, QLD
- Nickname:
- -
- Debut Team:
- Parramatta
- Date:
- 23 March 1975
- Opposition:
- -
- Venue:
- Cumberland Oval
- Representative:
- Queensland Country, NSW City Firsts, NSW Firsts, NSW City Seconds, QLD Firsts, Australia
- Club:
- Parramatta, Manly
Career
Milestones
- The Ashes 1974
- World Cup 1975, 1977
- Interstate Series 1975, 1976, 1977
- NSWRFL Premiership (NRL) 1978
- Preseason Cup 1975
- RLW Player of the Year 1976
- Rothmans Medal 1976
Biography
The tough Queensland forward, originally from Roma but representing Nambour, made his mark by playing for his state against Great Britain in 1974.
When Souths forward Gary Stevens withdrew just before the First Test in Brisbane, Higgs was called up to the Australian team. He later joined Parramatta and played a key role in Australia's World Cup victories in 1975 and 1977.
As captain of the Eels, Higgs led with determination, earning the prestigious Rothmans Medal in 1976. His leadership was evident as he captained Parramatta through two consecutive grand final losses in 1976 and 1977, including a gutsy performance against Manly in 1976 in which he finished the match with a broken cheekbone.
Renowned for his defence, he set a then club record with 50 tackles in a match against Canterbury at Cumberland Oval. However, following Parramatta's defeat in the 1977 grand final replay against St George, a falling out with coach Terry Fearnley led him to sign with Manly.
After an injury-riddled 1978 campaign, Higgs returned to Queensland and played in one of the two non-State-of-Origin matches against New South Wales in 1980.
Hall of Fame Members
Parramatta Eels respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.