Christopher "Choppy" Close was born on 5 February 1959 and is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
13 Facts About Chris Close
1.
2.
Chris Close lived in Proston, Queensland playing for his junior rugby league for the Wondai Wolves.
3.
Chris Close played his first A Grade game for the Beaudesert Kingfishers before joining Brisbane Rugby League premiership club, Valleys.
4.
Chris Close played for Fortitude Valley at centre in their 1979 Brisbane Rugby League grand final victory over Souths.
5.
In 1980, while playing for Redcliffe, Chris Close was chosen on the Australian tour of New Zealand but it was his consecutive man-of-the-match performances in the first two State of Origin matches in 1980 and 1981 that turned heads.
6.
Chris Close was a fierce competitor, as his back-hander to the face of opposing winger Eric Grothe in 1981's State of Origin match testifies.
7.
Chris Close signed with Manly-Warringah for the 1982 NSWRFL season and played in the Grand Final with them that year and again in 1983, which were both lost to Parramatta.
8.
Chris Close continued to be a regular visitor to the State of Origin arena during the 1980s, becoming one of a handful of players to be man-of-the-match in State of Origin football more than once.
9.
Surprisingly, after starring for Queensland, having toured New Zealand with the Australian team in 1980 and having played in Manly's Grand Final loss to Parramatta, Chris Close was not selected to the 1982 Kangaroo Tour of Great Britain and France.
10.
Chris Close appeared in three Tests on the 1985 tour of New Zealand but failed to tour with the Kangaroos the following year.
11.
In 2000 Chris Close was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to Australia's international standing in rugby league.
12.
Chris Close is currently working for QGC in Queensland as a Land Performance Adviser.
13.
Chris Close lived in Rockhampton, Queensland for several years where he owned the Lionleigh Tavern in the suburb of Wandal, which became known for award-winning steaks under Chris Close's ownership.