Chris McQueen
A versatile forward who carved out an international career after a late switch from rugby union, embodying the modern hybrid athlete.
Born 1987 (age 39)·England international rugby league footballer·Birthday: August 3·Millennials
Biography
Chris McQueen's path to the England rugby league jersey was anything but orthodox. Initially a rugby union prospect in Australia, he switched codes in his early twenties, signing with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL. His athleticism and work rate saw him become a key figure in the Rabbitohs' forward pack, culminating in a premiership victory in 2014. His form was so compelling it earned him a call-up to the England national team in 2017, a rare feat for a player who hadn't come through the UK's developmental system. McQueen's career is a testament to adaptability, proving that raw talent and determination could bridge the gap between two distinct footballing worlds, finishing his playing days back in Queensland with a veteran's leadership.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chris was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the NRL Premiership with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2014.
- Earned caps for the England national rugby league team in 2017.
- Played over 150 first-grade NRL matches across multiple clubs.
- Successfully transitioned to a rugby league career after beginning in rugby union.
Did You Know?
He is the son of former rugby union player, Paul McQueen.
He played rugby union for the Australian Schoolboys team before switching codes.
He made his England debut against Samoa in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
“You adapt to the game in front of you, or you don't play at all.”
