Matt McIlwrick
A durable and versatile rugby league hooker who carved out a solid professional career across Australasia, known for his defensive grit and adaptability.
Born 1991 (age 35)·New Zealand rugby league footballer·Birthday: June 4·Millennials
Biography
Matt McIlwrick's professional rugby league journey was defined by perseverance and utility. The New Zealander made his NRL debut for the Canberra Raiders in 2012, establishing himself as a hard-working hooker capable of playing in the lock position when required. His career path took him to several clubs, including a stint with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and a return home to play in the New Zealand Warriors' system. While not always a headline-grabbing star, McIlwrick was valued for his reliability, strong tackling, and service from dummy-half. His willingness to take on different roles within a squad made him a dependable asset for coaches. After his time in the NRL, he continued his career in the English Championship with the London Broncos, bringing his robust style of play to the Northern Hemisphere before retiring.
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.
Matt was born in 1991, 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 Matt Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Matt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
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 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 50 first-grade games in the Australian National Rugby League (NRL).
- Represented the New Zealand Māori rugby league team.
- Played for the London Broncos in the European Super League after his NRL career.
- Made his NRL debut for the Canberra Raiders in Round 1 of the 2012 season.
Did You Know?
He is of Māori descent.
He played his junior rugby for the Hibiscus Coast Raiders in New Zealand.
He also played for the Wyong Roos in the NSW Cup competition.
He transitioned to playing as a lock forward later in his career in addition to his primary hooker role.
“I'll play wherever the coach needs me, hooker or lock.”
