This was published 6 years ago
Alfie Langer could be next statue at Suncorp Stadium
By Thomas Morgan
The "little general" of Queensland rugby league, Allan "Alfie" Langer, is one step closer to becoming immortalised in bronze with other giants of the game at Suncorp Stadium.
League legend Allan Langer.Credit: Heath Missen
Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk confirmed the government had received a letter from the Queensland Rugby League board supporting the erection of statue honouring Allan Langer at the stadium in Milton, on Brisbane's inner west.
If approved, it would be the fifth statue at the venue, joining those of Wally Lewis, Darren Lockyer, Mal Meninga and Arthur Beetson.
Langer played for the national rugby league side, the Queensland Maroons and the Brisbane Broncos, leading the latter to a record four premierships while captain between 1992 and 1998.
The letter from QRL came as the government moved to name a stand at Suncorp Stadium to honour former Labor deputy premier Terry Mackenroth, who died earlier this year after a battle with lung cancer.
Mr Mackenroth was heavily involved in rugby league, having held director positions with the Australian and Queensland rugby league organisations.
One year after the flood and back on dry land, the Wally Lewis statue no longer needs its water wings.Credit: Dan Nancarrow
Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington questioned whether the honour was appropriate, given grandstands had historically been named after famous sportspeople rather than politicians.
Ms Palaszczuk defended the choice, saying the stadium "would not have been built if it wasn’t for Terry”.
She added there would be one plaque dedicated to Mr Mackenroth.
“It’s not the length and breadth of the stand, it is just one panel.”