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Paul Harragon, The Chief
Paul ‘The Chief" Harragon is one of rugby league’s modern day legends. Born and bred in the Hunter, The Chief was an original member of the Newcastle Knights Football Club and a panelist on the Nine Network’s The Footy Show.
Paul Harragon played 205 club games, 169 first grade games for the Newcastle Knights (1988-99), 20 NSW State of Origin games (1992-98) and represented Australia in 17 Tests.
His outstanding performances were many, but perhaps his finest hour came in September 1997, when he led the Newcastle Knights to victory in the Optus Cup Grand Final, defeating arch-rivals Manly in a come-from-behind victory.
Paul’s passion and commitment have earned him enormous respect from friend and foe alike. However in 1999, following a string of injuries, Paul called full-time on his outstanding career.
Until 2009, The Chief was a member of the Nine Network's rugby league commentary team on The Footy Show.
Paul Harragon was an Ambassador for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and was appointed an Official Ambassador for the Hunter by Bob Car in May 2000. He has been a patron for the Hunter Medical Research Foundation and the NBN Telethon for Kids and the Family Action Centre. Paul is a supporter of the Starlight Foundation, The Red Cross, The Fred Hollows Foundation, The Two Bishops Trust and Kids Safe in the Hunter.
Paul Harragon has won numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career including winning the 1997 Ken Stephen Memorial Award for citizenship and services to the game and receiving an OAM at the 2000 Australia Day Awards. In 2002 he was inducted into the New South Wales Hall of Fame. In 2003, Paul received the NSW Children’s Week Award in 2003 in recognition for outstanding service to children.
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