Mark Geyer is a former Second Row forward who played for the Penrith Panthers, Balmain Tigers and Western Reds. Geyer played the game with an aggressive approach, often catching the attention of opposition players, fans and the judiciary alike.
Geyer’s hard-man reputation would see him often referred to as one of the toughest players to play the game. However, despite building a reputation as a indominable hard-man, Geyer’s passing ability with the ball shouldn’t be underestimated, as he was an extremely skilful ball-playing forward. Geyer played a pivotal role in the Panthers first ever Grand Final victory in 1991, with many people believing a sin-binning in the second half cost him the Clive Churchill medal as the best player on the field.
Geyer would go on to represent both his state and country, pulling on the green and gold of Australia three times. However, it was in the State of Origin arena that Geyer would be responsible for producing one of the most iconic moments in Rugby League history, coming face to face with legend Wally Lewis on the stroke of half time in an old-fashioned biff. The heated exchange is one of the most replayed images in Rugby League despite the game’s desire to move away from violent incidents.
Since retirement, Geyer has appeared regularly in the Rugby League media, providing extensive knowledge, measured opinion as well as an endearing sense of humour. He was formerly a regular panel member on the Channel 9 show the Sunday Roast, but since 2009 has been a co-host on the Triple M breakfast show The Grill Team. Geyer’s humble beginnings and values has seen him turn into an extremely relatable voice among the Rugby League community. And despite the hard-man reputation he forged in his playing days, Geyer now ranks among the most caring figures in the Rugby League media, primarily due his involvement with various charities.
