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Current NRL stars Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis and Sam Thaiday have won selection in AUstralian rugby league’s Indigenous Team of the Century.
League’s first indigenous player, George Green, who played for Eastern suburbs when the game began in 1908, made the team along with Wally McArthur, who played most of his football in England and scored four tries for a Rest of the World team.
Frank King Fisher, the grandfather of athletics great Cathy Freeman and regarded as the Aboriginal version of Wally Lewis, was selected after representing Wide Bay against touring Great Britain sides in the 1930s.
Fisher was denied the opportunity to tour with the Kangaroos when he was refused a passport to pursue a his career overseas.
The Indigenous Team of the Century was announced to fans at half time during tonight’s NRL clash between the Bulldogs and Cowboys.
The teams is: Eric Simms, Lionel Morgan, Steve Renouf, Greg Inglis, Dale Shearer, Laurie Daley, Johnathan Thurston, Sam Backo, Mal Cochrane, Arthur Beetson, Gorden Tallis, Sam Thaiday, Cliff Lyons, George Green, Wally McArthur, Frank Fisher, John Ferguson.
Queensland and Australian prop Sam Backo was overwhelmed by his selection.
“I was happy to play for my state and my country but to get this recognition, not only from your peers, but the people, is a very special honour,” Backo said.
Thurston, who recognises his heritage by using a mouth guard with the colours of his people, described his selection as a “huge honour”.
“Representing your people and your family, it’s a very proud moment in my career,” said the currently injured Cowboys captain.
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