Ben Elias
Hooker
Player Bio
- Inducted:
- 2024
- Date of Birth:
- 15 November 1963
- Birthplace:
- Tripoli, Lebanon
- Nickname:
- -
- Debut Team:
- Balmain Tigers
- Date:
- 23 May 1982
- Opposition:
- -
- Venue:
- Wollongong Showground
- Representative:
- Australia, New South Wales
- Club:
- Balmain Tigers
Career
Milestones
- NRL games: 235
- Points: 181 (36 tries, 4 goals, 33 field goals)
- Australia: Tests 6 (1985-90); Kangaroo tours 1986, 1990; Toured New Zealand 1985
- Vice-captain 1990 Kangaroos
- New South Wales: State of Origins 19 (1985-94)
- Grand Finals: 2 – Balmain 1988 (L), 1989 (L)
- Australian Schoolboys 1979, 1981 (from Holy Cross College, Ryde)
- Won National Panasonic Cup titles with Balmain 1985, 1987
- Captained City Origin 1990, 1992, 1994
- Captained NSW 1990 and 1991
- Dally M Hooker of the Year 1985, 1988, 1992
Biography
Tenacious and terrific, Ben Elias was a legendary figure through his career with Balmain Tigers, NSW and Australia. Born in Tripoli, Lebanon, he played 235 matches at Balmain between 1982 and 1994. From the moment he debuted for Balmain in 1982, he was Tiger through and through. He was a fabled figure for the Club, helping the Tigers to consecutive Grand Finals in 1988 and 1989.
Ben Elias the revolutionary rake
The image of Elias bloodied after a State of Origin encounter in 1992 with his mother Barbara is iconic in the history in the history of the Origin series and the game. Elias also played 19 State of Origin matches for NSW, captaining the Blues in 1990 and 1991, as well as six Tests for Australia.
Hall of Fame Members
National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
