Sporting great Mat Rogers welcomed into Gold Coast Hall of Fame
Dual code rugby star Mat Rogers enters the Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame at the city’s annual Sports Awards.
What’s happening?
Dual-code rugby great Mat Rogers has been inducted into the Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame.
The honour was announced during the Gold Coast Sports Awards, held at The Star on Friday, 27 February.
Rogers grew up on the Gold Coast and rose to national prominence through success in both rugby league and rugby union. He attended the sporting academy at The Southport School, where his early talent in sport developed.
His professional career saw him represent the Cronulla Sharks, the Gold Coast Titans, and the Australian Kangaroos before switching codes and becoming a key member of the Wallabies.
Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame Chair Jeff Pfaff said Rogers’ induction recognises both his sporting achievements and his long connection to the region.
“This is a natural and overdue honour for someone who is synonymous with sport in this city and whose achievements across two codes position him as one of the most exceptional athletes our region has ever produced.
“Mat Rogers is the epitome of a true talent, resilience and commitment, values that we celebrate in the Hall of Fame,” Mr Pfaff said.
Rogers said he felt proud and humbled to receive the honour.
“I appreciate the calibre of athletes who have been inducted before me and to be acknowledged alongside such superstars is such an honour.”
He also spoke about the role the Gold Coast plays in producing athletes who represent Australia internationally.
“I’m very proud of the Gold Coast and its ability to nurture such a diverse range of athletes who go on to represent the country on the international sporting stage.”
Why it matters?
The Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame honours athletes, coaches, administrators and teams who have made outstanding contributions to sport in the region.
Athletes recognised in the Hall have reached the highest level of excellence in their sport while contributing to the community and cultural life of the Gold Coast.
Rogers now joins a respected group of athletes whose careers continue to shape the city’s sporting identity.
Local impact
The Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame exists to recognise individuals and teams who have made a lasting impact on sport in the region.
Mat Rogers now joins a long list of Gold Coast sporting icons whose achievements continue to inspire future generations.
Notable inductees include:
Andrew Symonds – Cricket (2025)
Joel Parkinson – Surfing (2021)
Mick Fanning – Surfing (2021)
Emma Snowsill – Triathlon (2018)
Duncan Free – Rowing (2017)
Jason Crump – Motorcycle Speedway (2015)
Nathan Sharpe – Rugby Union (2015)
Robbie McEwen – Cycling (2013)
Katrin Borchert – Canoeing (2012)
Anna Wood – Canoeing (2012)
Sara Carrigan – Cycling (2012)
Loretta Harrop – Triathlon (2012)
Grant Hackett – Swimming (2011)
Giaan Rooney – Swimming (2011)
Miles Steward – Triathlon (2005)
Colin Birmingham – Water Skiing (2003)
Wally Morris – Water Skiing (2003)
Andrew Baildon – Swimming (2003)
Karla Gilbert – Ironwoman (2003)
Greg Shambrook – Rugby League (2001)
Dale Collings – Tennis (2001)
Janet Rayner – Water Polo (2001)
Anne Alletson Brown – Golf (2001)
Jenny Lund – Athletics (2001)
John Franklin – All rounder (2001)
Jenny Whittle – Basketball (2001)
Paul Neilsen – Surfing (2001)
Peter Lacey – Surf Lifesaving (2000)
Mark Bennetts – Surf Lifesaving (1999)
Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew – Surfing
Mick Veivers – Rugby League (1999)
Craig McDermott – Cricket (1999)
Ossie Moore – Golf (1999)
Danielle Harte – Squash (1999)
Peter Drouyn – Surfing (1999)
Wayne Hammond – Hockey (1999)
Trevor Hendy – Ironman (1999)
Peter Townend – Surfing (1999)
Debbie Bowman-Sullivan – Hockey (1999)
Debbie Holland – Swimming (1999)
Eric Boulter – Swimming (1999)
Gary Metcalfe – Sailing (1999)
Grant Davies – Kayaking (1999)
Greg Brough – Swimming (1999)
Ian Rowling – Kayaking (1999)
Ian Schuback – Lawn Bowls (1999)
Kerri-Anne Weston – Swimming (1999)
Catherine Huggett – Swimming (1999)
Mick Doohan – Motorcycling (1999)
By the numbers
Mat Rogers played 11 matches for the Australian Kangaroos during his rugby league career, representing the national team at the international level.
After switching codes, Rogers went on to earn 45 Test caps for the Wallabies, becoming one of the rare players to represent Australia in both rugby league and rugby union.
Rogers’ professional career spanned more than ten years, competing at the highest level across both rugby league and rugby union.
Zoom in
The awards night featured several memorable moments celebrating the Gold Coast sporting community.
Highlights included Grow for Gold athlete Thewbelle Philp’s Acknowledgement to Country and a heartfelt moment when the Junior Volunteer Award winner received strong support from the audience.
Kai Sakakibara received the Mayor’s Award during a moving presentation, while the Grow for Gold team was formally introduced during the ceremony.
The night also featured the presentation of the Spirit of Sport Medal to Daryl and Jo Kelly.
The Best Sports Photograph Award recognised a striking 2025 image of Jacek McLaurin, with the audience sending their strength as he recovers from a serious injury.
Another highlight came when Alexa Leary danced joyfully to the stage to accept Para Athlete of the Year.
The evening concluded with the announcement of Gold Coast Suns player Matt Rowell as Gold Coast Athlete of the Year, marking the first time in 57 years the award has been won by a team athlete.
Zoom out
The Gold Coast Sports Awards is an important annual event that celebrates achievements across the city’s sporting community.
The event brings together athletes, volunteers, clubs, events and business leaders to recognise excellence across the region’s sporting ecosystem.
What to look for next?
Future editions of the Gold Coast Sports Awards will continue to highlight new athletes, volunteers and sporting achievements across the region as the city’s sporting legacy grows.