Steve Renouf is a legend of rugby league and one of the most naturally gifted centres the game has ever seen.

Steve is of Aboriginal and European descent and is a proud representative of his Indigenous heritage. Known for his blistering speed, elusive footwork, and lethal finishing ability, he earned the nickname “The Pearl” for his smooth and graceful playing style that dazzled fans and opponents alike throughout the 1990s.

Steve made his first-grade debut for the Brisbane Broncos in 1989 and quickly established himself as a standout talent. Over the next decade, he became a central figure in the Broncos’ rise to prominence in the Australian Rugby League competition. He formed a dynamic partnership with star players such as Allan Langer, Kevin Walters, and Wendell Sailor, and was a key part of the Broncos’ first golden era.

Steve was instrumental in the club’s Premiership wins in 1992, 1993, 1997 (Super League), and 1998, and is remembered for scoring a crucial try in the 1992 Grand Final, which secured Brisbane’s maiden title.

Across his career with the Broncos, Steve played 212 games and scored a club-record 142 tries, a testament to his incredible attacking prowess. His acceleration, timing, and anticipation made him a constant threat in broken play, while his ability to read defensive lines allowed him to carve through opponents with ease. He was particularly effective at supporting breaks and finishing moves, often turning half-chances into spectacular tries.

At the representative level, Steve had a successful career with both Queensland and Australia. He made his State of Origin debut for Queensland in 1991 and went on to play 11 games between 1991 and 1998. Although injuries and fierce competition for positions sometimes limited his Origin appearances, he made a lasting impact whenever he took the field. For the Australian Kangaroos, Steve played 10 Tests and was part of the 1992 World Cup-winning team, scoring the match-winning try in the final against Great Britain at Wembley Stadium. That moment remains one of the most iconic in international rugby league history.

Steve finished his professional playing career with English club Wigan Warriors, where he spent two seasons from 1999 to 2000 and continued to score tries with ease before retiring from the game. After hanging up his boots, he became a respected voice in the rugby league community, working in media and contributing to Indigenous health and education initiatives. He has been a vocal advocate for greater recognition of Indigenous athletes and issues within the sport and society.

In 2008, Steve Renouf was named in Australia’s Indigenous Team of the Century and the Broncos’ all-time best team.

In 2024, the National Rugby League announced that Steve was an inductee into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame.

These days, Steve works for the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, as an Ambassador for the Deadly Choices preventative health program. He has been running the Deadly Choices program since 2013. This is a national program which leverages sport to try encouraging healthy choices.  

Steve is also a Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) Patron. Steve commenced his role as BYS Patron in 2016 and is dedicated to raising awareness of Brisbane’s vulnerable young people and the challenges they face. He has supported BYS through a range of events and activities. He is a role model for young Queenslanders and a proud patron of BYS.