Brisbane will play NRL ladder leaders St George Illawarra at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday wearing commemorative jumpers to honour of the club’s master player scout Cyril Connell who died last year. In a fitting tribute, Connell’s greatest discovery Darren Lockyer, will lead the Broncos out in a navy blue and white jumper. The clash with former coach Wayne Bennett’s side is expected to draw a crowd of more than 40,000. Connell, who drove to every corner of Queensland in search of young players to bring to the Broncos, passed away aged 81.

Born in Rockhampton in 1928, Connell played at five-eighth for club, state and country. He was one of a string of fine footballers who came through the Rockhampton Brothers club, playing about three years with Brothers before moving on to play club football in Toowoomba. During his distinguished career, Connell went on to play 24 times for Queensland, two Tests against New Zealand and also represented Australia in tour matches.

Once his playing career was over, Connell never lost contact with the sport he loved and in 1990 was appointed recruitment officer with the Brisbane Broncos. His success in that position can be clearly gauged by the number of top-quality footballers who owe their start in Broncos colours to Connell. The club’s management has been quick to pay tribute to Connell who was seen as the senior statesman of the Broncos family. A number of Connell’s last crop of youngsters, including Andrew McCullough and Ben Hunt, will face the Dragons and his wife Carmel will be presented with a special jumper in her husband’s memory.

“It’s a wonderful way to pay a tribute to a rugby league stalwart, not only for the Brisbane Broncos, but for Queensland,” said Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen. “His contribution to the Broncos’ long-term success is immeasurable and will never be forgotten”.