The Rogers name was ringing around the showroom at Doltone House last night with both Mat and the late, great Steve Rogers named in the Sharks Team of the Half Century.
Mat was the first Rogers to take to the stage when afforded the honour of being selected alongside Valentine Holmes as one of the Wingers in the best of Sharks team, before his brother Don emotionally accepted his Dad Steve’s accolade shortly after.
Born in Caringbah as the son of Steve, Mat would learn the game as a junior with the Engadine Dragons before going on to enjoy an illustrious career, one that would see him become a dual-code international.
With the ability to play wing, fullback, centre or five eighth, many of his most notable exploits were on the flank, with Rogers scoring 75 tries in 123 appearances for the Sharks over seven seasons.
Also a prolific goal kicker, Rogers eclipsed some of the point-scoring records of his legendary father, most notably the mark of 26 in one match coming from a three try, seven goal effort against Newcastle in 2000.
Rogers also earned selection for the Kangaroos and Queensland Origin team before leaving the Sharks in 2001 to play rugby union, where he would go on to represent the Wallabies.
He returned to rugby league and the Gold Coast Titans in 2007.
Mat spoke to Sharks TV shortly after the announcement of his selection it the Sharks Team of the Half Century.
