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Today I continue my series of naming each NRL team’s best team ever, with the Canberra Raiders the team in focus.
It’s no surprise that majority of the team is made up by players of their golden era of the 90s. While obvious names like Meninga and Daley, who happen to be both State of Origin coaches, are locks to be on list, it was very difficult trying to pick 17 players from the large amount of talented of players to wear the famous green jersey.
1. Gary Belcher
16 caps for Queensland, 15 caps for Australia, 3 times Fullback of the year.
One of the finest attacking players to ever play, his strong return kicking game support play made one of the best fullbacks in the 90s.
2. Noa Nadruku
5 caps for Fiji, 2 x Winger of the year
One of the first great Fijian wingers to play, he had an amazing strength for his size and a great finisher.
3. Mal Meninga
46 caps for Australia, 32 caps for Queensland, Golden Boot Winner, RLW Player of the year, 2 x centre of the year.
The greatest centre in last 30 years, he physically overwhelmed his opponents with his brute power and fend. Key to the Raiders’ golden years.
4. Jarrod Croker
I couldn’t really find another centre who has a better contribution to the Raiders then Crocker, a point scoring machine and current captain at just 24. The like of Peter Jackson and Joel Monaghan haven’t been better then Crocker.
5. Brett Mullins
5 caps for Australia, 5 caps for NSW, fullback of the year
Even though Mullins couldn’t beat Belcher for a starting role, he was simply too good to leave out of the team.
He played primarily fullback but played wing in the start of his career. His trademark swerve and speed and relentless kick chase earns him a spot.
6. Laurie Daley
21 caps for Australia, 23 for NSW, 3 x Five-eighth of the year, RLW Player of the year.
Daley was one of the most intelligent player of his time, had the class and running game to excel both at centre and five-eighth. Daley had large frame for his position which made him a great runner of the ball.
7. Ricky Stuart
9 caps for Australia, 14 caps for NSW, 3 x Halfback of the year, Clive Churchill Winner, Rothmans Medal Winner.
Toured with the Wallabies before joining Canberra. Stuart had the best kicking game in his time also had the ability to throw accurate long spiral passes on both left and right sides. He can feel hard done by not making the Magnificent 7.
8. John Lomax
15 caps for NZ
Lomax was a powerhouse for Canberra the metres he gained from every run was quite phenomenal.
9. Steve Walters
15 caps for Australia, 14 for Queensland, 3 x Hooker of the year, RLW Player of the year.
When people think of the great Raiders teams of the 90s it most people overlook the great what Walters done his darting runs was key in for the Raiders.
10. Quentin Pongia
34 caps for NZ
A tough, gritty player who has captained New Zealand and led the Canberra pack for a long period of time.
11. David Furner
1 cap Australia, 8 for NSW, Clive Churchill Medal Winner.
Furner was high-energy player with great ball skills. He was a rock in defence, and a much underrated player who’s family big part of the Raiders football club.
12. Ruben Wiki
55 caps for NZ
Inspirational leader who played centre in the Raiders’ 1994 grand final win, showing great speed for his size. His 55 caps for New Zealand is most in international football.
13. Bradley Clyde
19 caps for Australia, 12 for NSW, 2 x Lock of year, 2 x Clive Churchill Winner.
Clyde was the greatest lock in the modern era – the total package. His defence was first class. He was the first person to win Clive Churchill Medal for a losing team.
Bench
Sam Backo, Jason Crocker, Allan Tongue and David Grant
It’s a strong line-up. If this team were to play it will be great defensively and with Belcher, Mullins and Meninga, Stuart and Daley there are points all over the park.
If this were in today’s game can you imagine Stuart going to the line with Belcher lurking around the back with the option of going short to Clyde or long to Meninga or Mullins on the wing. That’s virtually unstoppable to defend.
Can anyone stop this Green Machine?
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