Mal Meninga Tribute Statue - Unveiled 2014

Mal is not only one of the most iconic figures in rugby league history, but also a proud Queenslander whose influence on the game continues to be felt today. As an artist, capturing his power, leadership, and larger-than-life presence was both inspiring and humbling. I wanted the statue to reflect his unmatched career—from his time as a dominant centre for Queensland and Australia to his legendary coaching achievements with the Maroons and Kangaroos.

The statue, unveiled on 28 May 2014 by then Premier Campbell Newman ahead of the 100th State of Origin match, was met with celebration from fans, former players, and league legends. Today, it stands proudly at Suncorp Stadium as a lasting tribute to a man whose impact helped define Queensland rugby league.

Bespoke Bronze Memorial: Bronze statue of a rugby player in action, holding a ball, outdoors with blurred trees and people in the background.

Project Snapshot

Bespoke Bronze Memorial round pushpin icon featuring a circular head and short pointed stem displayed on a white background.

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, QLD

Bespoke Bronze Memorial icon: minimalist brown silhouette of a person with a circle head and semicircle body on a light background, elegant and timeless.

Client: Queensland Government

Bespoke Bronze Memorial: Elegant brown feather quill displayed diagonally on a light background, symbolizing timeless tribute and classic remembrance.

Commission Type: Public Sporting Tribute

Bespoke Bronze Memorial plaque illustration featuring a bronze broom sweeping dust, symbolizing remembrance and care on a clean white background.

Figures Sculpted: 1

Bespoke Bronze Memorial: Icon of a golden-brown calendar with two top rings and a date grid, symbolizing memorial dates or personalized remembrance.

Completion Date: 2014

Project Overview

Immortalising a Rugby League Giant

Malcolm Norman “Mal” Meninga AM is celebrated as one of the greatest rugby league players of all time. The statue pays homage to a remarkable career that spanned decades and shattered records. As a player, Meninga was a powerful goal-kicking centre who represented Queensland and Australia with unmatched dominance. He remains the only player in history selected for four Kangaroo Tours, and one of the few to captain two of them—leading the 1990 and 1994 squads.

Known for his key role in the undefeated 1982 and 1986 tours—nicknamed “The Invincibles” and “The Unbeatables”—Meninga carved his place in sporting history. His State of Origin record is legendary, holding the title of top all-time point scorer with a then-record 161 points across 32 matches. His perfect seven-from-seven goal-kicking in the first 1980 Origin match remains a high point of Queensland’s rugby league narrative.

Following retirement, Meninga’s legacy only grew as a coach. He led the Queensland Maroons to 17 Origin victories, becoming the most successful State of Origin coach in history at the time of the statue’s unveiling. Positioned at the entrance of Suncorp Stadium, the bronze figure evokes strength, pride, and an enduring connection to Queensland’s sporting identity.

Bespoke Bronze Memorial

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Bespoke bronze sculptures are created through a tailored process and limited yearly commissions. Contact Liam to discuss your project and timing.

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Three men in suits smile by a Bespoke Bronze Memorial rugby player statue outdoors, with trees and a building in the background.