In an end of an era for Queensland rugby league, John McDonald drew the curtain on his 20-year stint as the state body’s chairman in Brisbane on Friday.

Big shoes await new chairman Peter Betros after McDonald – dubbed “Cracker” – walked away from a life-long involvement in the sport.

The 67-year-old was a former Test three-quarter and went on to become Queensland’s inaugural State of Origin coach in 1980 before being succeeded by the great Arthur Beetson the next year.

His impressive resume also includes a stint as Australian Rugby League chairman – succeeding good mate Ken Arthurson – during the Super League War of the mid-1990s.

He was also an International Federation chairman.

“It’s a great honour to take over from John McDonald,” Betros said.

“He’s going to be sadly missed, but we’ve got a great legacy.

“He’s left rugby league in fantastic shape and it’s a strong platform for us to keep building on.”

Betros is a former ARL board member.