Shannon Hegarty joined rugby league’s elite in 2003, playing for Queensland and Australia and touring with the Kangaroos as they regained the Ashes.

Hegarty was born in Brisbane but played his junior football in Mackay. He eventually joined the Roosters and made his first grade debut in 1999, becoming a fixture in the Bondi Junction club’s backline.

In 2003 he enjoyed a standout season - Hegarty played 24 games as the Roosters went on to win the premiership.

That caught the attention of Maroons selectors, who drafted the slippery outside back into their side for the 2003 Origin series.

A solid Origin led to selection in the Australian side and a tour to England with the national squad. Hegarty returned from the tour with an ankle injury but eventually returned to full fitness and helped the Roosters to their third consecutive grand final - and fourth in five seasons.

Midway through the season Hegarty announced he would be joining South Sydney in 2005. He waved goodbye to Bondi and immediately became a vital part of the Rabbitohs' backline, although injury curtailed his representative career.

Hegarty will look to right that wrong this season as Souths set about reclaiming their glory years.