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.
Eugene Gilbert
Guest
Some great thoughts here, just wanted to put my 20c in here. I've watched origin ever since Beetson led Qld out, and Mick Cronin was in the centres for NSW kicking goals like Meninga. Anyway, if I wanted to pick the all time team to match QLD, then this is it; 1) Hayne (he's a freak, I know he's not a popular pick, but he was special) 2) Grothe 3) Daley (just can't take Fittler out of the 5/8 position, plus Daley could handle Meninga) 4) Brett Kenny (he was a master player, even Wally said so) 5) O'Connor 6) Fittler (was just too dominant when he played that position) 7) Johns 8) Lazarus 9) Buderus 10) Harrogan 11) Roberts (just the first part of the game, soften up the QLD pack) 12) Sironen (just love having the size in the forward pack) 13) Clyde Bench - Etinghausen (can play a variety of positions) - Des Hasler (great player to bring on later on, great turn of speed) - Noel Cleal (game breaker, especially later on when forwards tiring) - Steve Roach So many other legends left out - Jack, Pearce, Sterling, Lamb, Mortimers, Lyons, Elias, Gallen, Menzies...
Eugene Gilbert
Guest
Great conversation, here is my team; 1. Hayne (the guy was a freak, he has to be there and start) 2. Grothe 3. Daley (Fittler was the better stand off, Daley will be fine at centre, to cover the big QLD centres) 4. Kenny (he was also a freak, one of the best) 5. Chika Ferguson (the thing about him was he was so hard to tackle! so nippy and had speed!) 6. Fittler 7. Johns 8. Lazarus 9. Buderus 10. Harrogan 11. Roberts (starting off with Roberts with big hits and good carries, then bringing on later Crusher Cleal) 12. Sironen (who do QLD players run to, I'd look for Clyde & Buderus, as it would be hell running into Lazarus, Harrogan, Roberts, or Sironen!!!) 13. Clyde Bench: Etinghausen (can cover centre, wing, fullback) Hasler (great impact player, can cover the halves) Cleal (again great impact player, would be devastating against tiring QLD players Roach (just a mountain, thrives in the State of Origin arena) Coach: Phil Gould
Latte
Guest
1. Jack 2. Grothe 3. Daley 4. O'Connor 5. Ferguson 6. Kenny 7. Johns 8. Pearce 9. Clyde 10. Cleal 11. Lazarus 12. Buderus 13. Roach 14. Tunks 15. Fittler 16. Kennedy 17. Bailey I really liked Mortimer for halfback but I put Johns in because of his kicking and I would love to see how he would play with Brett Kenny. Would be a dynamic halves pairing.
Jez
Guest
Shocked by lack of inventiveness. Best players will adjust game to optimally suit conditions. With need for skill and size, just fit premium players into side! For me, this results in a Centre pairing of Daley and Menzies! Keep Fitler at 5/8, & obviously Johnsie at half. Shift The Chief to 13, think Sirro & Carrol (shockingly barely mentioned!) in the 2nd, then Lazza, Elias (again unmentioned?) & Gal?!! Like ET & Hayne on Wing (talk about explosive, sorry RW) & Mullins or Jack at back (latter in QLD, Mullins at home). Masses of skill & size required to match very closely to unplayable QLD (admittedly...) Bench may include likes of Clyde, Bird, Pearce, Cartwright/Geyer(??!!)
jammel
Guest
picked from those I've seen: 1Mullins 2ET 3Daley 4McGregor (OConnor) 5Hayne 6Fittler 7Stuart - surprised how few mentions he gets here, I'd play AJohns at hooker 13Clyde 12Menzies 11Sironen (Kennedy - just ahead of Gallen) 10Harrogen (Roberts) 9AJohns 8Lazarus (Carroll)
Graeme
Guest
3-0? Today's qld dynasty is the greatest in qld history but it's also up against one of the worst NSW in history and while there have been a few thumpings from QLD a lot of series have come down to the nail. Throw Joey and Kenny or Fittler in the halves and it's lights out god the maroons. 2005 is proof of that with the single greatest origin performance in history
Eckythimble
Guest
Not a bad team, but they would lose 3-0 to the best QLD team. But you're forgetting what made the 82 Invincibles earn that title - aside from a dominant forward pack it was the Rogers & Kenny show dazzling them out wide. After a decade of being stranded by his sharkie team mates, Rogers finally found someone with the anticipation and field to back him up in Kenny and the results were devastating. So these two need to be your centres and suddenly Meninga and co. will be shivering in their boots. Hayne another proven match winner with X factor, needs to be in. To have any chance at all of beating QLD you need not 3 or 4 but 7 X factor backs, with all due respect no "solid" Wisharts or Jacks. Also you need 5 hulking forwards, so Fittler moves to the bench. Then Gallen and Pearce on the bench would give no let up. I think below team meets the recipe and would have a fair chance of cooking some cane toads. My team: 1) Hayne 2) Grothe 3) Rogers 4) Kenny 5) ET 6) Daley 7) Johns 13) Clyde 12) Sironnen 11) Roberts 10) Harrogan 9) Buderus 8) Lazarus Bench: Roach, Gallen, Pearce, Fittler
Tom
Guest
Pretty sure I'm sick of hearing "8 years in a row" from queenslanders consistently but apparently I'm supposed to suck it up like you should. Or can you not handle a little joke?
jade
Guest
ALL TIME NSW 1.HAYNE 2.WISHART 3.DALEY 4.TIMMINS 5.ETTINGSHAUSEN 6.FITTLER 7.JOHNS 13.GALLEN 12.GILLESPIE 11.SIRONEN 10.CARROLL 9.ELIAS 8.LAZARUS BENCH 14.BIRD 15.L.DAVIDSON 16.HARRAGON 17.ROACH
Conor Quinn
Guest
Considering an all time best Origin team I think it's important to select players that took their game to another level at Origin and looked like they were born to play on that stage. Also good to chose players that gave it their all and won, either through an outstanding individual effort or outstanding record. Bascically someone who will kill to score a try or die saving one from being scored, without regard for personal longevity :) You'd need those type of squad members, with unwavering bravery and, importantly, players that believe the man next to them feels exactly the same as they do. Especially against the likely best all time opposition :) Therefore my team is: 1. B. Mullins 2. M.O’Connor 3. M. McGaw 4. P.McGreggor 5. E. Grothe 6. L.Daley 7. A.Johns 8. G.Lazarus 9. D.Buderus 10. I.Roberts 11. B. Mackay 12. S.Timmins 13. B.Clyde 14. J.Hayne 15. B.Fittler 16. M. Geyer 17. N. Cleal
Ben from Brisbane
Guest
Totally agree. The strange thing is people think they're being edgy!
Phil
Guest
FB – Anthony Minicello Wings- Jarryd Hayne, Andrew Ettinghausen Centres – Laurie Daley, Brett Kenny 5/8 – Brad Fittler (c) Halfback-Andrew Johns Lock – Ben Kennedy Second Row – Paul Gallen, Nathan Hindmarsh Hooker – Danny Buderus Front Row – Paul Harrigan, Steve Roach Bench – Paul Sironen, Ian Roberts, Wayne Pearce, Steve Menzies
Johnno
Guest
1 changes I have added: Paul Sironen for John Cartwright,. Craig Wing very ulucky too
Johnno
Guest
My revised team 1)Mullins 2)Eric Grothe 3)Paul Mcgregor 4) Laurie Daley 5)Jarryd Hayne (I think he is better than ET and more influental in games than ET was) 6)Brett Kenny 7)Andrew Johns 13)Brad Fitler 12)Brad Clyde 11)Willie Mason 10)Glen Lazarus 9)Buderus 8)Paul Harrogan Bench: Ian Roberts,John Cartwright,Ben Kennedy,Greg Alexander Good luck beating that team
Johnno
Guest
A revised team John Cartwright no one has mentioned unbeleivable, and Mark Geyer had the potential but went wayward. But John Cartwight big tall carty was awsome. He was the Blues best forward in both the 1990-91 series. Went on the roo tour, he was outstanding. So big so strong, and could off load. And Willie Mason, big Willie. How has he been forgotten about and ignored by everyone, including me all 3 of those players slipped though the net. And a mention to , to Steve Simpson what a handful he was. Big and strong kept working all day. 4 players im surprised got no mentions.
josho
Guest
Nice team, but I'd have the bruise brothers starting. 1. A.Minichello 2. M.O'Connor 3. A.Ettingshausen 4. P.McGreggor 5. R.Wishart 6. L.Daley 7. A.Johns 8. G.Lazarus 9. D.Buderus 10. P.Haragon 11. G.Bird 12. P.Gallen 13. B.Fittler 14. J.Hayne 15. B.Clyde 16. B.Kennedy 17. P.Sironen 18. B.Kenny
Will Sinclair
Guest
Nice team Ryan. I would have Brasher at fullback - he represented NSW 21 times and oozed class every time. And I reckon Robbie Farah might be your hooker before his Blues career is over (especially if he can lead the boys home tonight). His second stint at Origin level has been absolutely first class.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
A great first ever comment, Busty! And a great side you have nominated; I'd feel very confident with such a team representing NSW.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Both the posts you have quoted should give you the answer! Performances at Origin level is the criteria that should be used.
blackcaviar&broncos
Guest
July 16th 2013 @ 2:31pm Ryan O'Connell said Luke, Menzies first grade stats are irrelevant. This is the best NSW Blues team, so performances at Origin level are all that matters. And though Beaver was a good player for NSW, I don’t have him displacing anyone in the team I’ve selected. July 16th 2013 @ 2:54pm Ryan O'Connell said I’m willing to admit that perhaps you both have a fair point then. The team was meant to be based purely on Origin performances, but I think I was seduced by Fittler’s overall career, and his early Blues games in the centres, rather than his play in the 6 or 13 jerseys. ROC which criteria do I use, one used for Menzis or the used for Fitler. Based on Origin performance only, I'll have AJOHNS on the bench. Kenny or Stuart at Half.