Billy Moore

Billy Moore is a former elite rugby league player of the 1980s and 1990s who represented both Queensland and Australia, primarily as a lock forward and second-rower. Renowned for his toughness, leadership, and passion for the jersey, Moore remains one of the most recognisable figures in State of Origin history.

Raised in Wallangarra, Queensland, Moore was born just over the border in Tenterfield, New South Wales, as the hospital there was closer than Stanthorpe. As he often jokes, “My mum assures me I was rushed over the border before the oxygen had time to affect my lungs.” Despite this technicality, his Queensland identity has never been in doubt.

Moore represented New South Wales at Under-17 level while still at school before moving to the North Sydney Bears in 1989, where he played in the club’s reserve grade premiership side. Following a major turnover of players, he became a regular first-grader and played a key role in transforming the Bears from a struggling side into finalists in 1991.

In 1992, Moore made his debut for Queensland in State of Origin, scoring the only try in the Maroons’ famous 5–4 victory in Game II. He went on to represent Queensland across three Origin seasons.

Billy Moore is forever etched into Australian sporting folklore for his inspirational “Queenslander!” cry during the 1995 State of Origin series—a moment that captured the spirit, belief, and defiance of an underdog team and has since become one of the most iconic scenes in rugby league history.

Today, Moore draws on these experiences to deliver powerful, entertaining talks on leadership, resilience, teamwork, and performing under pressure.