League legend jersey tribute

Ben Hunt and Andrew McCullough model the Broncos jersey.

Photo Supplied

IT would be hard to come up with a suitable tribute for rugby league legend Cyril Connell.

The Brisbane Broncos have dedicated a specially struck jersey to their late club servant and former Rockhampton great.

Connell was the long-time recruitment guru for the Broncos, discovering two generations of rugby league stars on his travels through Queensland.

The Broncos will wear the Nike navy blue and white jersey for the first time as a tribute to Connell against the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

Connell was the man who discovered Darren Lockyer, Wendell Sailor, Petero Civoniceva and Sam Thaiday, among others.

The former teacher and education administrator retired from his full-time recruitment duties in 2008 and passed away in June last year.

Broncos' chief executive Bruno Cullen said the club was dedicating a jersey to an individual for the first time and there was none more fitting than Connell for the honour.

“It is wonderful to pay tribute to such a rugby league stalwart, not only for the Brisbane Broncos, but for Queensland as a whole,” Cullen said.

“His contribution to the Broncos' long-term success is immeasurable and will never be forgotten.”

Connell's wife Carmel will represent the family at the game, where a special memorial jersey will be presented.