Superstar rugby league fullback found dead in Toowoomba motel

The rugby league community has been shattered by the sudden death in Toowoomba of a flying fullback described as an ‘exceptional talent’ and ‘cult hero’.

Former NRL and Super League star Danny Peacock (right) was found dead in a Toowoomba motel last week.

The Australian rugby league community has been rocked by the sudden death of Danny Peacock.

A cult hero among Western Suburbs and Gold Coast Seagulls fans, Peacock, 57, was found dead in a Toowoomba motel in Queensland last week.

The lightning quick fullback played nearly 130 games for Wests, Gold Coast and the South Queensland Crushers before rounding out his career with 52 games for Bradford Bulls in the Super League.

Toowoomba Brothers president John Butler vividly recalls a young Peacock making one of the greatest ever debuts in Toowoomba Rugby League history.

Danny Peacock

“He was an exceptional footballer. An amazing talent,” Butler said.

“I think it was around 1987 and I was a ballboy when he made his debut for (Toowoomba) Valleys.

“He played in all three games for Valleys that day and scored six tries, two in each game.

“I can still see them all in my head plain as day. All of them were absolutely amazing tries some of the best I’ve ever seen.”

Peacock joined Valleys after catching the eye of Queensland under-19 selectors while playing for Charleville Cities in Western Queensland.

He played a season with Valleys before being snapped up by Wests.

After three seasons with the Magpies he joined the Seagulls in 1991, the same year league legend Wally Lewis signed with the club, and holds a number of club records.

Moving to centre in 1995 he set the record for most tries in a season with 14 and he is the club’s all-time leading try scorer with 28.

The death is not being treated as suspicious.

If you or someone you know is experiencing hardship, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Originally published as Superstar rugby league fullback found dead in Toowoomba motel