12 Facts About Dean Schifilliti

Dean Schifilliti was born on 30 March 1968 and is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.

Primarily a hooker, Schifilliti played for the Illawarra Steelers, South Sydney Rabbitohs, North Queensland Cowboys, Adelaide Rams and Parramatta Eels throughout his career.

In 1993, Dean Schifilliti signed with the North Queensland Cowboys, who were set to enter the competition in 1995, becoming the club's first major signing.

Dean Schifilliti played 16 games for the Steelers that year but after signing with the Cowboys, would lose the captaincy and finish the season in reserve grade.

In 1994, Dean Schifilliti joined the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the interim and achieved success early, captaining the side in their pre-season Tooheys Challenge Cup final win over the Brisbane Broncos.

Dean Schifilliti played just six games for the Rabbitohs after suffering a knee injury.

In 1995, Dean Schifilliti recovered from his knee injury, passing a late fitness test to start at hooker in the Cowboys inaugural game against the Sydney Bulldogs.

In January 1996, Dean Schifilliti represented Italy at the Super League World Nines in Suva, Fiji.

In 1997, Dean Schifilliti joined the Adelaide Rams after being granted a release by the Cowboys.

Dean Schifilliti played 20 games for the Eels that season, starting all at hooker, including their two finals games.

In 2006, Dean Schifilliti was named at lock in the Illawarra Steelers 25th Anniversary Team of Steel.

Since 2018, the Dean Schifilliti Shield has been played in Ingham, featuring under-8's sides from around north Queensland.