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Stands out as easily one of the best buys in the Warriors' brief history (right up there with the outstanding Dean Bell). After his connection with Mark Graham at North Queensland, the new Warriors coach didn't hesitate to bring Death to Auckland with him. Coming at bargain rates, Death just as swiftly underlined his coach's faith in him and instantly impressed all onlookers. A livewire in every sense (both on and off the field), Death has been a positive influence from day one at Ericsson. Started his top flight career under Tim Sheens at Canberra in 1991. Principally a hooker but also a more than capable loose forward, Sheens used him almost exclusively as a replacement player. Of Death's 56 appearances from 1991 to 1995, just 11 were in the starting line-up. Began his association with Mark Graham and Graham Lowe at North Queensland in 1996, when Lowe was filling in for a year as coach before Sheens moved to Townsville. In a Cowboys side that often battled, Death was regularly outstanding. Started the 1999 season at hooker for the Warriors until he had his jaw broken in a Rodney Howe tackle in the Ericsson clash against Melbourne. That sidelined him for six games but, when he returned, midseason buy Robert Mears had nailed down the No 9 jersey. Death was switched to loose forward instead where he was again a stand-out with his outstanding defence and all-round work rate, highlighted by his exceptional support play. Rewarded by being named the Warriors' player of the year. Must have been a strong contender for the Australian Test side for the end of season Tri Series.
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