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Most arguments these days are centered around which rugby code is better. It’s a never ending argument, and on both sides of the fence you’re always going to have fans that are passionate about the sport they love.
Rather than argue which sport is better, how about we look at the most electric players in rugby union and league at the present time.
Darius Boyd: Has taken his game to the next level this year. Prior to his recent hamstring injury he was the safest player in either code. Passing game is starting to come on.
I see a lot of Darren Lockyer in his game, I think once he nails down his passing game you will see a kicking game introduced. Bennett won’t be satisfied until his pet project is completed, can anyone else see the Bennett created Darren Lockyer clone developing?
James O’Connor: Pound for pound, often overused phrase used in sport. But look at this kid, and that’s what he is. At 20 years of age he has already nailed down 27 Test caps for the Wallabies.
Watch a Force game and you will get an understanding how tough and freakishly talented this kid is, he has the giant Kiwi and Springboks’ teams trying to shut him down in attack and in defence they run at him all day, more often then not the opposition end up on their backs. Sight for sore eye in Australian rugby.
He will be a shining light in this year’s World Cup. To think he has at least three more World Cups in him. You beauty!
Sonny Bill Williams: Finally the rest of the world is witnessing what we had in our backyard for year. He’s certainly come a long way since debuting for the Bulldogs premiership winning side in 2004.
Like most league fans, in 2008 I was gutted when he left our code, but I think he’s paid his dues – literally. 750,000 Bulldogs? To the SBW haters out there, rather than be bitter, why don’t you sit back and marvel at what this kid is doing.
He’s got fans excited; people are waking up at 2am to watch him – I think the last time that happened Ricky Stuart off loaded to Mal Meninga to send him on a 70m journey that secured a Kangaroos victory in 1990.
Back to the player now.
SBW’s offloading and creativity in attack resembles a kid playing in the backyard, or for the league fan, cast your memory back to Game II of the 2005 Origin series. Andrew Johns’ performance in that game was epic.
Sonny is starting to dominate games much like Joey used to.
He has a step like Freddy, he has a short ball like Joey, he’s taken the Gidley flick to the next level, and his defence is Tallis-like with a little Cement Gillespie in it.
The only thing he hasn’t done is kick the ball, and let’s face it, it’s a pleasure not to see someone do this from inside his 22.
So, as a fan, I’m pumped to see this kid showcase to the world how good a player he can be. Bring on the 2011 World Cup!
With energy levels that rival Trevor Hendy, turn of pace that resembles Black Caviar, and the best fullback brain since Clive Churchill, I introduce Billy ‘The Kid’ Slater.
When you think how can this bloke get better, around comes another season. League fans know how good this bloke is with ball in hand, but what separates him from the others is his ability to stop a try.
Other notable nominees: Quade Cooper, Benji Marshall. Ben Barba, David Pocock, Darren Lockyer, Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Cameron Smith, Jeremy Smith, Adam Thomson, Beau Robinson, Jarryd Hayne, Malili Muliaina, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Rene Ranger.
I won’t go on, but aren’t other nations lucky we don’t play just the one rugby code?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.