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It’s never easy selecting an ‘all-time’ rugby league team. It’s even harder doing it for NSW, because you have to delve deep into the memory bank, considering the Blues recent woes of losing seven series in a row.
The benefit of such an exercise is that you do get to have a stroll down memory lane, and remember the greatness of some of rugby league’s finest players.
It was no easy task selecting this squad, and with names like Mick Cronin, Steve Rogers, Brett Kenny and Ray Price missing out, I’m sure it will create lots of debate, however, my all-time greatest NSW Blues side is:
Fullback: Garry Jack
Jack pips Antony Minichiello in a tough decision, considering ‘The Count’ was considered the best player in the world at one stage.
In the end, Jack’s reliability, toughness and legendary Origin performances gave him the nod.
Jack played 17 Origin matches for the Blues, defused bombs with the best of them, and was a brilliant defender at the back.
Wingers: Eric Grothe and Rod Wishart
Grothe was long, lean and had an amazing stride. Watching him sprint down the sideline was a sight of beauty for NSW fans.
He had the perfect winger’s body, and armed with a deadly fend, he was a real handful for Queensland.
Wishart was a pro’s pro. A reliable star for the Blues, he was respected north of the border as a fierce, but fair, competitor, and was a wonderful footballer. Not flashy, just effective.
Centres: Michael O’Connor and Andrew Ettingshausen
O’Connor played 19 State of Origin games for NSW between 1985-91 and holds the NSW Origin point scoring record with 129 points, registering 11 tries, 42 goals and one field goal.
However, he’ll always be remembered for his last minute conversion in the wet to win the game for the Blues in Game II of the 1991 series, cementing his spot in Origin folklore, along with helping him earn a spot in this squad.
Though he played a lot of football on the wing, the other NSW centre is rugby league’s original pin-up boy, Andrew Ettinghausen.
A classy footballer, whose model looks belied his toughness, ET was a constant thorn in the Maroon’s side, and one of the first players picked when I selected this team, such was his consistently high performances in the sky blue jumper.
Five-eighth: Laurie Daley
Daley played a lot of his early Origin football in the centres, but it was at five-eight that he really stamped his class at this level.
A natural leader, and a wonderful footballer, Daley reminded me a lot of Wally Lewis, in that he could – and would – do anything that was needed for his football team: a big hit, a timely kick, a deft pass, a rampaging run, or simply being a great captain.
The complete footballer.
Halfback: Andrew Johns
And out-and-out superstar, and arguably the greatest rugby league player of all time.
The knock on him early in his career is that he didn’t dominate at Origin level the way someone like Wally Lewis had.
That changed dramatically towards the end of his representative career, especially in the 2005 series, when Johns completed annihilated the Maroons and set a new benchmark for Origin excellence.
Though there was some stiff competition for the halfback spot with Peter Sterling, Ricky Stuart and Steve Mortimer all Origin legends in their own right, in the end, it was no competition at all; Joey is the best.
Lock: Brad Fittler
Like Daley, Fittler could have made this team in a number of positions, including centre and five-eight, two positions he played during his Origin career.
However, in order to squeeze the class of both he and Daley into the team, Freddy moves to lock.
With Johns and Daley in the halves, Fittler will be free of the responsibility of being a distributor and can focus on his running game and devastating left foot step; both some of the best in rugby league history.
Second Row: Brad Clyde and Noel Cleal
Clyde made 12 appearances for NSW, with his ball running ability and tireless energy the cornerstone of many Blues victories.
He was considered the best player in the world in his prime, with his strength and athleticism often providing a dangerous weapon for the Blues.
‘Crusher’ Cleal always saved his best for Origin football. A devastating runner of the ball and a solid defender, Cleal’s partnership with Clyde in the backrow provides the Blues with the perfect mix of size, strength, speed and skill.
Hooker: Danny Buderus
His combination with Johns gave ‘Bedsy’ the advantage, but I dearly would have loved to have picked Benny Elias in the number nine jersey, for the simple reason that he would get under the Maroons’ noses.
In the end, Buderus’ dummy-half skills and sensational defence were too hard to overlook, and it’s difficult to imagine a better hooker ever playing the game. Well, until Cameron Smith came along anyway.
Props: Glenn Lazarus and Paul Harragon
‘The Brick With Eyes’ and ‘The Chief’ form a devastating front-row pair for the Blues.
Lazarus was a big man with plenty of skill. The memories of him taking a hit-up, drawing three or four defenders, dragging them along for a few extra metres, and then still popping a ball to a support player, should send shivers up the spine of Maroons fans.
Meanwhile, Harragon was an old school prop who ran hard, tackled hard, gave it his all, and played with plenty of passion.
Interchange:
Steve Roach
Working in tandem with Lazarus and Harragon, Roach’s presence gives this Blues team a formidable front row trio.
Once ‘Blocker’ enters the fray, there will be no let-up in go-forward and off-loading, nor will size be a concern.
Paul Gallen
Should the team need extra punch in the middle of the park, Gallen can play as a extra prop – he normally does anyway – and using him in short aggressive bursts maybe even increase his effectiveness.
Wayne Pearce
Pearce’s tireless work ethic and fitness will be unmatched against any other Origin player, and he’ll add plenty of energy and toughness to the team.
Having him on the interchange bench will also allow me the luxury of picking a reserve back…
Jarryd Hayne
In a presumably controversial selection, I believe Hayne deserves a spot in the all-time squad.
This is not just due to his versatility and ability to cover fullback, wing, centre, five-eight and even lock, but for his consistently brilliant performances at Origin level – even in losing sides.