(played firsT grade and
representative from 1988 – 1999)
(played representing Australia from 1992 – 1995)
(played consecutively for the NSW Blues from 1992 – 1998)
(played from 1992 – 1997)
The Chief played the game of Rugby League with Passion and Intensity in a career which spanned over a decade with many accolades and achievements at the highest Echelon. From his beloved Newcastle Knights to the State of Origin through to the green and gold of Australia the chief was a true leader of men whose playing style was indicative of his hometown and his own beliefs.
Paul’s transition from the Football Field into the world of Media and Promotions was a natural next step, his style and character caught the imagination and respect of people and audiences throughout the country. His roles included Co-Host of the Footy Show, Rugby League Commentator with the Nine Network and Fox Sports, he also wrote newspaper columns and hosted a variety of radio shows, a top selling autobiography and national top 10 Aria single.
Another natural transition post his rugby league career was the role of representative and Brand Ambassador for many great Australian Companies. Some of these Ambassador Roles have spanned over decades and this success has been a testimony to the standing and appeal that Paul attracts in the greater community.
1968
CHIEF’S ORIGIN STORY
1968
CHIEF’S ORIGIN STORY
Paul is born on 12 October 1968 in Kurri Kurri, New South Wales.
From humble beginnings, Paul will grow up to be a true leader of men, playing the game of Rugby League with passion and intensity.
It is Paul’s upbringing, his hometown and his beliefs that will influence his playing style and natural ability to lead later in life.
1991 – 1992
DEBUTS & WORLD TOURS
1991
Tough times continue, missing the first portion of the season Harragon finally makes his debut after a long stint off only to suffer a serious head trauma injury. Clawing his way back from that, he finishes off the season well and secures a new contract with the Newcastle Knights.
1992
With a full off season under his belt Paul explodes onto the scene starting off where he left in 1990. Harragon makes his Country Origin debut scoring two tries and receiving Man of Match award, selected in NSW State of Origin team in his debut year, Paul receives Phil Gould’s award for player of the series.
Then the dream of playing for Australia finally happens with Paul’s selection in the Australia Rugby League team to play England and toured England for World Cup at the end of the year.
1988 – 1990
THE EARLY YEARS
1988
Paul joins the Newcastle Knights in 1988, a team he will later on go on to captain, he Represents NSW under 21’s that year
1989
The Chief makes his first grade debut in 1989 against the Balmain Tigers.
1990
After being selected for country origin for the first time in early 1990 Harragon pulls out through injury, which plagued him all year missing out on the opportunity to fulfil his dream of playing origin and selection for Australia – 1990 Kangaroo tour of England and France.
With little income coming from his knight’s contract and no job and a potential career ending injury tough times become the new normal.
1993 – 1994
THE RISE OF THE CHIEF
1993
Paul is awarded ‘Man of the Match’ in both the second and the third Tests of 1993 Trans-Tasman series for Australia.
He is also awarded ‘NSW Country Origin Player of the Year’
Paul becomes brand ambassador for nib health funds
1994
In 1994 Paul represents and captains, Country Origin.
The Chief is awarded Man of the Match in Game 2 of the 1994 State of Origin series: NSW 14 d QLD 0 at MCG on June 8, 1994.
He is also selected on the 1994 Kangaroo tour of England and France
1995 – 1996
THE CHIEF BECOMES THE CAPTAIN
10 October, 1995
Despite multiple cheekbone fractures, Harragon captains his country and leads the Kangaroos to an International Test Record Win during the 1995 World Cup
Australia 86 d South Africa 6 at Gateshead, England.
Other highlights and facts 1995
Other highlights for 1995 see The Chief appointed Captain of the Newcastle Knights, leading them to the semi-finals that year.
Harragon also goes on to Captain Country Origin v City and win NSW Country Origin Player of the year.
Super league war starts in this year
1996
NSW revenge Queensland with a 3- nil whitewash
Harragon also wins the NSW Country Origin Player of the Year.
1997
GRAND FINAL WIN
28 september, 1997
Paul Harragon captains the Newcastle Knights
to win the 1997 ARL Premiership Title Grand Final
Knights 22 d Manly-Warringah Sea Angles 16 at Sydney Football Stadium
1997 Highlights and fact
Super league war splits the game
Before leading his beloved Knights to the Grand Final win in 1997, the Chief is awarded ‘Man of the Match’ on 11 July in a one-off test.
Paul proudly represents Australia, defeating the ‘Rest of the World’ team 28 to 8 at Lang Park, now known as Suncorp Stadium in QLD.
Paul also captains Country Origin v City this year and is awarded the 1997 Ken Stephen Memorial Award for his citizenship and services to the game.
1998
TWO-TIME SEMI-FINALISTS
1998
Paul continues to captain the Newcastle Knights, leading them to the semi-finals again in 1998.
1999
CHIEF’S RETIREMENT
1999
Harragon is the first athlete to run onto Stadium Australia in the first Rugby League game to ever be played at the Olympic stadium between Newcastle and Manly.
Later the same year due to an ongoing knee injury forces The Chief to announce his retirement mid-season.
Paul releases his best-selling autobiography, One Perfect Day.
2000
LIFE AFTER NRL
2000
Paul starts his full time media career with channel 9 and fox sports commentating and co-hosting the footy shows as well radio and newspaper commitments.
The Chief’s role as brand ambassador continues to grow through many corporate and company partnerships
26 January, 2000
Paul receives the Order of Australia (OAM) Award at the 2000 Australia Day awards.
2000 Highlights
Paul’s first year of retirement sees him appointed as
•Official Ambassador for 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney
•Official Ambassador for the Hunter appointed by Bob Car May 2000
2002 – 2016
AWARDS, ARIAS & THE JUNGLE
2002
The Chief is inducted into the New South Wales Hall of Fame
2003
Paul receives the NSW Children’s Week Award in recognition for this outstanding service to children.
2007
While co-hosting the Footy Show, the Chief releases the hit single “That’s Gold” debuting at #8 on the ARIA singles chart.
2016
Paul features in the 2016 TV program “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here”, for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHAT’S NEXT?
Paul’s vision for the future would see him continuing his
pursuit of excellence into the financial and business arenas.
More mentoring and charitable works
– more Adventure and trekking expeditions.
But most of all, more time with my family and friends
– making more magic moments.
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE CHIEF
I love the ocean and lakes, boats swimming ,holidays, warm weather (not fussed on winter at all), surfing, meditation, hatha yoga, eastern philosophes, music, fresh food.
Adventure – my favorite was the Himalayas. Most challenging was summiting Kilimanjaro with my two eldest children who were 15 and 16 at the time-
Favorite book is auto biography of a yogi – love listening to Jimmy Buffet sing .
Still get a thrill of being in dressing room before a game – and get a kick out of learning something new.
Most happy when my family is all together and under the one roof.