Steve Gearin

Steve Gearin
Born	(1958-03-29) March 29, 1958 Sydney, Australia
Occupation(s)	Rugby league footballer, school teacher
Years active	1976–1986
Known for	Rugby league player for Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, St. George Dragons, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles; NSWRL leading point scorer in 1980 and 1984

Steve Gearin (born 29 March 1958) is a retired Australian rugby league player who competed for , , and within the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Renowned as a prominent member of the Bulldogs' 'entertainers' era, he is particularly remembered for successfully converting six goals from six attempts during Canterbury's triumph in the 1980 Grand Final. Gearin secured the status of NSWRL's leading point scorer in both the 1980 and 1984 seasons.

On 9 February 2020, Gearin was honored with life membership at the Bulldogs Club.

Career

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Originating from Sydney and of English heritage, Gearin was identified by Canterbury CEO Peter "Bullfrog" Moore in 1974 while playing school-level rugby. He joined Canterbury-Bankstown in 1975 and made his first-grade debut during the 1976 NSWRFL season, scoring two tries across six appearances that year. After a season hampered by injuries in 1977, he established himself as a consistent first-grade player by 1978, participating in Canterbury’s narrow Qualifying Final defeat to Parramatta.

In 1979, Gearin surpassed George Taylforth’s goal-kicking record by amassing 204 points and contributed seven points in the Grand Final loss against St. George Dragons. The following year, he led the league in total points, playing 24 matches with 14 tries and 89 goals, culminating in 220 points. The 1980 Grand Final featured a standout moment where he scored a try off a Greg Brentnall kick and successfully converted six goals, setting a club record with 15 points scored in that match. Although injuries impacted his performance during the 1981 and 1982 seasons, he achieved a notable hat-trick against Balmain in 1981.

St. George Dragons

Gearin moved to St. George Dragons for the 1983 season. He kicked two crucial goals in the Qualifying Final victory over Balmain but experienced defeat to Canterbury in the Semi Final. In 1984, he once again finished as the NSWRL’s top point scorer. His final appearance for St. George was in a narrow Preliminary Final loss to Parramatta. Across two seasons with the club, he played 47 games, scoring 15 tries and kicking 161 goals, accumulating a total of 382 points.

Later career

Returning to Canterbury in 1985, Gearin participated in 13 games, registering seven tries and kicking 32 goals for a total of 92 points. Although he did not play in Canterbury’s Grand Final win that year, he joined teammates on their post-match lap of honor. In 1986, limited first-grade opportunities arose due to disagreements with coach Warren Ryan’s defensive approach and competition from emerging wingers. After spending eight rounds in Reserve Grade, Gearin requested to be released from Canterbury.

He subsequently signed with Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles aiming for more first-grade play but only made occasional appearances before retiring at season’s end. His final match was a Reserve Grade Semi Final loss to North Sydney held at Sydney Cricket Ground. Following retirement, Gearin dedicated himself to his teaching profession and family commitments. Despite his club achievements, he never represented at International Rugby League or State of Origin level, only appearing for NSW City Seconds in 1981.

Gearin continues his involvement in education as a school teacher at St Luke's Grammar School on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

External links

• Profile at Bulldogs official site
• Player statistics
• Career data at Rugby League Project