LEE OUDENRYN – Warrior #47
Journeyman flyer Lee Oudenryn spent four seasons at wing and fullback for the Warriors after building a reputation as one of the game’s fastest players at Parramatta and Gold Coast.
Parramatta (1992-95): 50 games – 18 tries, 37 goals (146 points)
Gold Coast (1996): 18 games – 8 tries, 3 goals (38 points)
Warriors (1997-2000): 61 games – 23 tries, 1 goal (94 points)
North Queensland (2001): 3 games – 0 points
PREMIERSHIP TOTAL: 132 games – 49 tries, 41 goals (278 points)
Oudenryn came to prominence as a 22-year-old rookie in 1992 when he famously beat Great Britain superstar Martin Offiah in a pre-arranged 100-metre sprint prior to the Eels’ midweek clash with the touring Lions; the previously unknown winger garnered immediate cult status, while struggling Parramatta went on to record a 22-16 boilover victory.
Oudenryn finished the season with a team-high eight tries from 19 first grade games. His sophomore season failed to deliver on that promise, but he top-scored for the Eels with 80 points in 1994. Joining Gold Coast in 1996, Oudenryn led the embattled Chargers with eight tries before linking with Auckland during the 1997 Super League campaign.
After a injury layoff that delayed his club debut by several months, Oudenryn played in the last five regular season rounds, crossing for four tries, and bagged a double in the Warriors’ gallant 22-16 loss to heavyweights Brisbane in the World Club Challenge semi-final.
Although he scored just three tries in 20 games, Oudenryn was one of the underperforming Warriors’ more consistent performers in 1998, while he filled in for captain Matthew Ridge at fullback for several games the following season. Oudenryn scored six tries in the final three rounds of 1999, beginning the hot streak with the only hat-trick of his career against North Queensland.
Ridge’s departure saw Oudenryn begin the 2000 season at fullback, but he reverted to the wing after only two matches in the No.1. Oudenryn’s strong ball-running complemented his explosive pace, and he racked up another eight tries during 2000.
But the 31-year-old’s career ended with a disappointing one-season stint with the Cowboys in 2001, making just three first grade appearances. Oudenryn later joined the New Zealand Police Force.
Categories: FEATURES, Once Were Warriors
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