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St. George Illawarra Dragons greatest XVII

Roar Guru
13th October, 2015
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Brett Morris is an easy selection in the Dragons' best ever side. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Roar Guru
13th October, 2015
31
2536 Reads

Today I continue my series naming each team’s best ever side. The St. George Illawarra Dragons team will be named, and this article will only focus on players who have played for the joint venture.

The Dragons have won two minor premierships and a grand final, today the best dragons XVII will be named.

1. Darius Boyd- 17 caps for Australia, 23 for Queensland, RLIF fullback of the year, Clive Churchill Medal Winner
Boyd was only at the Dragons for three years but he made the most his short time there.

One of the major reasons for Dragons’ dominance was that they had his ball skills and positional play.

His amazing performance in the 2010 grand final won him the Clive Churchill Medal demonstrates his skill.

2. Brett Morris- 18 caps Australia, 12 for NSW
Morris established himself as the best winger in the world at the Dragons. He is very fast, strong, solid in defence and just an all-round supreme athlete.

Morris was often the lone NSW player in Australian team backlines, showing his elite status as a winger.

3. Mark Gasnier- 15 caps for Australia, 12 for NSW, 2x Centre of the year
Gasnier had to play with burden of trying to live up to his uncle Reg who happened to be an Immortal. Gasnier was the best centre in the world before he left for French rugby. His tall frame, amazing footwork and ability to draw defenders get him in this side.

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4. Paul McGregor- 3 caps for Australia, 14 NSW
‘Mary’ proved to be very dangerous ball runner with a size that was uncommon for centres. He was very quick off the mark, which enabled him to score plenty of tries.

5. Nathan Blacklock- 2 caps for Australia, 3x winger of the year
One of the greatest try scorers the game has ever seen, Blacklock is a total excitement machine.

He was the league’s leading try scorer for three straight years. His try in the 1999 grand final may be one of the greatest of all time.

6. Trent Barrett- 15 caps for Australia, 11 for NSW, five-eighth of the year Dally M Medal winner
Barrett made everything he did look so easy. He had the build of a back rower but was just as good in defence and attack. His 2000 season where he won the Dally M Medal was one for the ages.

Barrett played in a great era of halves and still managed over 20 representative caps.

7. Ben Hornby- 1 cap for Australia, 3 for NSW
The Dragons’ most-capped player, Hornby was never the flashiest. However, he was just solid in his game in all facets. He was very consistent in a position the Dragons have struggled finding stability at.

8. Luke Bailey- 4 caps for Australia. 15 for NSW, RLW Player of the year, Prop of the year
Bull Bailey was played like his nickname. He charged at opposition defences, intent on causing serious harm.

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9. Dean Young- 1 cap for Australia, 1 for NSW
Young was a tackling machine who was often the leader of the Dragons defensive line. His versatility and toughness made a valuable player for the Dragons.

Young crying with his father after the 2010 grand final will go down as one of the best moments in rugby league history.

10. Jason Ryles- 15 caps for Australia, 8 for NSW
Ryles at full speed was one the most freighting sights. Standing at 194cm and 116 kilograms, Ryles could gain ten metres in his sleep. His career was plagued by injuries which really stopped him from reaching his potential.

11. Jeremy Smith- 22 caps for NZ
For the two years he was in St. George he was truly something special. He possessed ruthless aggression and knew how to use this to bust lines and bust opposition defences.

He was the best forward in the game in 2010. There was always something happening with the ball in his hands. His level of play is something that rarely will be reached.

12. Ben Creagh- 2 caps for Australia, 11 for NSW
Creagh doesn’t get the credit and respect he deserves. He is noted as one of the hardest workers by his teammates.

13. Shaun Timmins- Australia caps 9 times, 9 for NSW, Lock of the year
Timmins was a versatile player who played in the backs and the forwards.

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Bench: Lance Thompson, Trent Merrin, Anthony Mundine, Craig Smith

The team is only 16 years old, but there is plenty of quality across the park. They won one grand final and were in one more but probably should have done better with the list they had.

This team is great, but is it the best ever?

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