14 Facts About Noel Cleal

Noel Harvey "Crusher" Cleal was born on 16 October 1958 and is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer and coach.

Noel Cleal was born in Warialda, New South Wales, Australia.

Noel Cleal had captain-coached the Wondai side to a country premiership in Queensland, and steered an undefeated Sawtell Panthers to a Clayton Cup and maiden premiership, then represented for New South Wales Northern Division against the touring Great Britain Lions in 1979.

Noel Cleal had three seasons with the Roosters before following coach Bob Fulton to Manly in 1983.

Noel Cleal had a point to prove in the game against the Lions after controversially being left out of Australia's squad for the Ashes series.

Noel Cleal is commonly known as the man who coined the inspirational phrase "Dare to Dream" which was an extract from the game and series winning pep talk given by him during half time of game 2 of the 1985 state of origin series.

Noel Cleal's most famous moment in Origin football was an embarrassing one.

Noel Cleal's kick was made to look worse later in the game when Qld captain Wally Lewis kicked a 45-metre drop-out from the same spot.

From 1985 Noel Cleal would be selected for Country Firsts, playing for the team in 1985 and 1986.

Noel Cleal played 10 Tests for Australia in 1985 and 1986.

Noel Cleal then suffered a broken arm in a minor tour game that ended his tour.

In 2004 Noel Cleal returned to Manly in a similar role, but moved to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2012 following the Sea Eagles 2011 NRL Grand Final win over the New Zealand Warriors.

Noel Cleal was runner up to Parramatta's Peter Wynn in the 1985 Dally M Second Rower of the year, but would win the award for a second time in 1986.

In 2000 Noel Cleal was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his representative career for his country and state, and his supportive of Junior League at Local and regional level.