ALLAN “Alfie” Langer, one of Ipswich’s most celebrated sporting sons and a legend of rugby league, has been reunited with a cherished piece of his career history – the jersey from his first premiership as captain of the Brisbane Broncos in 1992.
The jersey, worn by Langer during the Broncos’ historic Winfield Cup triumph and his Clive Churchill Medal-winning performance, was returned last week in a sentimental handover.
The moment was shared with Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle and Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, who facilitated the jersey’s return.
The treasured item was among 750 pieces catalogued following Operation Windage and the dismissal of the previous Ipswich City Council in 2018.
Despite no clear record of how the jersey came into Council possession, Cr Doyle and local resident Rob Williams led efforts to retrieve it from storage and ensure it was returned to its rightful owner.
For Langer, the return was deeply meaningful. Known for his generosity, he revealed he no longer owns any of his playing jerseys, having donated them to various causes over the years.
Langer’s rugby league journey began with the Ipswich Jets in 1986 before joining the Brisbane Broncos in 1988, where he played 258 games.
His career included 34 appearances in the famous maroon jersey of Queensland and 24 caps for the Australian Kangaroos, securing his legacy as one of the greatest halfbacks in rugby league history.
