Steve 'Sledge' Edge

Regarded as one of the most successful captains under the limited tackle rule, sterling hooker/captain Steve Edge played in eleven grand finals in all grades during his career. Commencing with a Third Grade premiership with St George in 1972, Edge developed into a fine on-field leader despite not being an overly flashy player with the ball. He toured NZ with a Combined Sydney side in 1976, and the following year, captained St George in the historic grand final draw and subsequent victory over P’matta in the replay. Edge battled for his first grade place in the late 1970s but found his best form to play in St George's 1979 grand final win over C’bury. He then left the club for P’matta and secured the club captaincy under coach Jack Gibson who favoured Edge over a galaxy of champion players. Edge enjoyed a rare spot in the limelight with NSW in the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980 but enjoyed greater success captaining the Eels in three consecutive grand final victories (1981-83). He had to overcome a serious eye injury (detached retina and punctured iris) to take his place in the 1984 grand final and retired after the club’s 6-4 loss to C’bury.