Walter James Lewis AM is a former professional Australian rugby league player, who played in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s and coached in the 1980s and 1990s.
He then moved into a successful career as a commentator, providing analysis and insights for television programming about the sport.
His extensive experience in the sport and charismatic personality have made him a beloved figure in the rugby community.
File
- Full name: Walter James Lewis
- Stage Name: Walter Lewis
- Date of birth: December 1, 1959
- Age: 64 years old
- Place of birth: Hawthorne, Australia
- Australian citizenship
- Occupation: Former Australian professional rugby player
- Height: 6’0
- Parents: Jim Lewis and June Lewis
- Siblings: Wally Lewis
- Spouse: Jacqueline Lewis
- Children: 3, Lincoln Lewis, Mitchell Lewis and Jamie-Lee Lewis
- Relationship: Divorced
- Net worth: $5 million
Early life and education
Walter James Lewis was born on December 1, 1959 in Hawthorne, Australia and was raised by his parents, Jim Lewis and June Lewis. He grew up with a sibling, Wally Lewis.
Walter attended Brisbane State High School, where he also played Rugby Union. In 1977, he had the opportunity to tour Europe and Japan with the Australian Schoolboys Rugby Union team.
Career
Walter James Lewis was a successful rugby player, but his coaching career was not as well known. He began his coaching career with the Gold Coast Seagulls in 1991, where he also captained the team in his final playing season.
However, the team struggled under his leadership, finishing bottom of the table in both 1991 and 1992. Despite retiring as a player in 1993, Lewis continued to coach the Seagulls, but they again finished bottom of the table, which led to his resignation as manager.
Walter James Lewis, also known as “The King”, made his mark in the world of rugby not only as a player but also as a coach.
In 1993 and 1994, he held the prestigious role of coach for the Queensland Maroons in the State of Origin series. Despite his success as a player for Queensland, he failed to win the series as coach.
His legacy in the sport, however, remains undeniable. While his coaching achievements may not be as brilliant as his playing ones, Lewis is still regarded as a Rugby League legend.
His coaching experience probably provided valuable insights into his later career as a commentator, further cementing his influence and impact on the sport.
Awards and appointments
- Coached Wynnum-Manly to a winning record (78% win rate) in 1986-1987
- Won 2 of 6 Queensland coaching matches (1993-1994)
- Played a key role in developing Queensland’s dominance in State of Origin throughout his playing career
- Captained both Queensland and Australia
- Holds record for most State of Origin man of the match awards (8)
- Considered one of the greatest Rugby League players ever
Social Media
- Twitter Username: @WallyLewis9
Personal life
Walter James Lewis, a former Australian professional rugby player, is known for his successful career and contributions to the sport.
He was married to Jacqueline Lewis for 36 years until they separated in 2020 and they had three children: Lincoln, Mitchell and Jamie-Lee.
Lewis has also been open about his battle with epilepsy, which required brain surgery in 2007. His daughter, Jamie-Lee, was also born deaf.
Despite these challenges, Lewis continued to excel in his post-playing career as a coach and commentator, earning respect and admiration within the Australian Rugby League community.
Net asset value
Walter James Lewis AM is a former professional Australian rugby league player, who played in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s and coached in the 1980s and 1990s.
He is known as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and has been inducted into multiple halls of fame. He has also had a successful career as a coach and has amassed a net worth of $5 million through his various endeavors in rugby union.
