A New South Wales State of Origin representative hooker who started his career as a utility back, he played for Australian clubs the Newcastle Knights and Hunter Mariners, and for English club, Wigan Warriors (with whom he won 1998's Super League III).
McCormack began his career with the Newcastle Knights in that club's inaugural 1988 season, when he impressed the critics with his skill at five-eighth.
However, when tried at for the first time at hooker in 1992 against Manly at Carlaw Park, McCormack impressed immediately for his workrate[4] and his ability to dart out of the dummy half position.
Eventually becoming captain of the Knights, he was signed by Newcastle's new cross-town rivals the Hunter Mariners for the 1997 Super League (Australia) season.
[5] He also played at hooker for Wigan Warriors in their 1998 Super League Grand Final victory over Leeds Rhinos.