Leon Bott
A versatile and powerful back who carved out a professional career in both major codes of rugby in Australia.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Australian rugby league & union footballer·Birthday: October 19·Millennials
Biography
Leon Bott's athletic story is one of dual-code proficiency in the demanding world of Australian football. Hailing from Queensland, he first made his mark in rugby league, debuting for the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL in 2002 as a robust winger or centre. His strength and speed caught the eye of rugby union scouts, leading to a code switch in 2005. He joined the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby, showcasing his adaptability by playing on the wing and at fullback. Bott's professional journey took him to clubs in Japan and England, including a stint with the NEC Green Rockets, before he returned to Australia. His career exemplifies the physical and tactical crossover between league and union, mastered by only a handful of athletes.
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.
Leon was born in 1981, 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 Leon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Leon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played 24 NRL games for the North Queensland Cowboys between 2002 and 2004.
- Represented the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby, making his debut in 2005.
- Enjoyed a multi-year professional career in Japan's Top League with the NEC Green Rockets.
Did You Know?
He is the older brother of fellow dual-code rugby footballer Clinton Schifcofske.
Bott was a standout schoolboy athlete at St. Mary's College in Toowoomba.
After retiring, he has worked in the mining industry in Queensland.
“You play the code in front of you, you play for the jumper you wear.”
