From a global perspective, the NBA is the most formidable sporting brand in the world.
The competition generates worldwide sports stars who earn millions of dollars each year. How does this compare to the NRL?
The NRL is a 26-game seasoned event, with 16 teams all gunning for the opportunity to play in the grand final. But the sport has little global reach. Is there any basis for comparison?
Just like the NBA, the NRL have some incredible and superb athletes. Strong, fast, agile and smart – the modern day version of an NRL player is every bit equal to an elite basketball athlete.
What if you took, the best five current players in the NRL and compared them to the best five current NBA players, what would happen? Are they at all similar?
Kobe Bryant – Cooper Cronk
On one hand, you have Kobe Bryant – the ‘Black Mamba’ and the cerebral assassin. Bryant is known for his ultra-focus towards his game and never leaving any stone unturned. He may come off cocky, but his passion runs deeper than meets the eye.
Who else in the NRL lives for the crunch moments other than Cooper Cronk?
Cronk is the maestro, Mr Professional, the general and the ultimate halfback in today’s game. Cooper is known for how professional his approach in regards to any game can be. He is a no nonsense type of player, one who shows professionalism off and on the field.
His mental approach to the game can only be matched by Kobe, and it also helps that they both live for the clutch times.
LeBron James – Greg Inglis
No matter who wins the MVP awards in the NBA, there’s a sinking feeling that although you may be the Most Valuable Player for that season, you are still second to LeBron James.
Built like an NFL line-backer, with the speed of a running back, hands like a wide receiver and the smarts of a quarterback, LeBron James is a controlled freight train who only has one destination on the court – and that typically ends up being the hoop.
His incredible physical stature makes him a nightmare to guard. Blessed with skill, size and speed, LeBron gets it done with just pure talent.
His match in the NRL? Two letters come to mind: G-I.
Greg Inglis is the prototype figure of an NRL player. He’s big, strong, fast, agile and has the smarts to match. He is the most feared player in open space and possibly the most devastating ball carrier to play the game.
GI will always be noted as the best player in the game, no matter who else wins the Dally M or Golden Boot. His frame and skill level keep him on par with LeBron James, and with overall dominance in their given sports – just as lethal as each other.
Kevin Durant – Cameron Smith
When you look at the two names, you can draw a particular similarity that may stand out as soon as you do so. Both have rather small frames for their given position. They are both very thin players, given the nature of their physical positions. Both players may look like accountants, but they don’t play like accountants.
Kevin Durant is the current MVP of the NBA. He plays in arguably the most heated position of the NBA, constantly guarding great players (i.e. LeBron, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George).
Not only does he hold his own on the offensive side, he can also take them on physically. Kevin is as cool as customer as you will see in the NBA, to match his hugely high humility levels.
Although LeBron may outshine him, he will never go under as a top-three player in the NBA – the same to be said about Smith.
Cameron Smith makes 40 tackles every year, handles the ball more than any other player in the league. Not only does he take duties of goal kicking (and kicks for touch), he controls the ruck and feeds off forwards twice his size.
He plays well above his weight, but goes about it for the ‘team’ aspect. Cool, calm and collected, Cameron never looks flustered and is as humble a character as the NRL has possibly seen. He is always overlooked as the best player in the game because he isn’t an outside back doing flashy things, but when the hard work is needed, in both sports, Cameron and Kevin get it done.
Chris Paul – Johnathan Thurston
When you watch Chris Paul play basketball, he literally has the ball on a string. He does whatever he wants with the ball and it always looks so smooth. Notably a great ball handler, he barks instructions, has ice cold range around the paint and all the tricks in the bag to get his team the victories they need.
Remind you of anyone?
Johnathan “JT” Thurston is as creative as it comes in the NRL. He looks like his vision is in slow motion, while he has all the time in the world to think of the next play. In real time it looks so risky, but so natural to JT.
He can lead a team from a ditch onto glory within a matter of seconds. Both players seemingly have all the skills in the world, and both lead two high-octane sporting teams.
Both the best in their position, high skilled, very talkative among their players and the go to player when magic is needed. JT will go down as the greatest halfback ever once he retires and CP3 – although needs to win at least one title – may go down as Magic Johnson’s successor, if it all goes to plan.
Derrick Rose – Jarryd Hayne
Last but not least, the fifth comparison. Now, the intriguing thing with this comparison is that both have serious talent. Both of these players can change a game on any given night, but due to injuries and lack of form, they very rarely showcase just how good they can possibly be.
Derrick Rose was the 2010-2011 NBA MVP, in just his third professional season, and was the youngest to do so. On his day, there isn’t a point guard who can guard the athleticism and quickness of Derrick Rose.
Translate that to the NRL, Jarryd Hayne is a mystery. Having won the Dally M Medal in 2009, after an assault of great games leading the Parramatta Eels to the grand final, Hayne is capable of producing some average performances.
Jarryd Hayne went missing after 2009 and has only hit form in 2014. To date, he is arguably the most dangerous attacking player in the NRL. Size and strength, with a dangerous dose of speed, when the Hayne Plane is in full effect he can uplift the Eels to seemingly high odds.
Both players have unmatched skills, but their full potential hasn’t been seen yet. But when they do, I see many more MVP and Dally M medals on the horizon.
So maybe comparing only five players in each code isn’t an exact comparison, but their elite players have so much more in common with our elite players than first thought.
Johnno
Guest
Craig Gower I'd count as halfback too as much as a hooker. He probably had more success at hooker like Geoff Toovey, but Craig Gower is a better halfback than Paul Green and Jason Taylor,and Gary Freeman.
Sammy
Guest
Agree with your comment about Stacey Jones - he would have to be in the Top 20 somewhere. Phil Blake did play halfback for Manly in the 1982 and 1983 Grand Finals, but I agree he was more of a five eighth. Preston Campbell and Matt Orford both won the Dally M Medal, but never achieved representative honours. Although, they could have walked into the 2001-2005 Queensland teams before Thurston and Cronk came onto the scene. Interesting point regarding Grand Finals - half-backs to play in GFs since 1979 that did not make the Top 20 list outlined above are: 1. Steve Morris (St George, 1979) 2. Tommy Raudonikis (Newtown, 1980) 3. Perry Haddock (St George, 1985) 4. Ivan Henjak (Canberra, 1987) 5. Michael Hagan (Canterbury, 1988) 6. Noel Goldthorpe (St George, 1992, 1993 & 1996) 7. Craig Polla-Mounter (Canterbury, 1994, 1995 & 1998) 8. Craig Field (Manly, 1997) 9. Stacey Jones (New Zealand, 2002) 10. Craig Wing (Sydney, 2002 & 2003) 11. Craig Gower (Penrith, 2003) 12. Brett Finch (Sydney, 2004) 13. Brent Sherwin (Canterbury, 2004) 14. Justin Smith & Brett Firman (North Queensland, 2005) 15. Shane Perry (Brisbane, 2006) 16. Jeff Robson (Parramatta, 2009) 17. Ben Hornby (St George Illawarra, 2010) 18. Mitchell Pearce (Sydney, 2010 & 2013) 19. Shaun Johnson (New Zealand, 2011) 20. Kris Keating (Canterbury, 2012) * This list excludes Trent Barrett (1999) and Kevin Walters (2000) who were five eighths playing half back for the 1999 and 2000 Grand Finals.
Johnno
Guest
Sammy, Stacey Jones a glaring omission. Stacey Jones was better than Gary Freeman, and better than Des Hasler who is too high ranked. Stacey Jones is better than Steve Mortimer, and Greg Alexander. Sterlo is better than Alan Langer. Craig Field,John Simon,Barry Russell, all unlucky too miss out on this list, but you can't pick everyone. Phil Blake wasn't really a halfback he was more a 5/8, Criag Coleman was the halfback at Souths and Blake the 5/8. At Manly not sure where Blake played, but he was a more a utility. Craig Field,John Simon,Craig Polla-Mounter,Noel Goldthorpe, surely would be pushing Jason Taylor,Preston Campbell and Matt Orford. Polla-Mounter actually won a NRL title, Jason Taylor,Preston Campbell did not. John Simon had the 2nd best kicking game in the comp , 2nd to Ricky Stuart. Mick Neil,Stu Galbraith and Clayton Friend lol, now im joking around.
Sammy
Guest
My Top 20 best halfbacks since 1980: 1. Andrew Johns 2. Ricky Stuart 3. Alan Langer 4. Peter Sterling 5. Cooper Cronk 6. Johnathon Thurston 7. Steve Mortimer 8. Brett Kimorley 9. Des Hasler 10. Greg Alexander 11. Gary Freeman 12. Kevin Hastings 13. Jason Taylor 14. Paul Green 15. Geoff Toovey 16. Phil Blake 17. Daly Cherry-Evans 18. Scott Prince 19. Adrian Lam 20. Preston Campbell / Matt Orford Excludes: Trent Barrett and Benji Marshall – although they played alot of half-back I believe they are ball runners and should be grouped with the five-eighths.
Sammy
Guest
My Top 20 best halfbacks since 1980: 1. Andrew Johns 2. Ricky Stuart 3. Alan Langer 4. Peter Sterling 5. Cooper Cronk 6. Johnathon Thurston 7. Steve Mortimer 8. Brett Kimorley 9. Des Hasler 10. Greg Alexander 11. Gary Freeman 12. Kevin Hastings 13. Jason Taylor 14. Paul Green 15. Geoff Toovey 16. Phil Blake 17. Daly Cherry-Evans 18. Scott Prince 19. Adrian Lam 20. Preston Campbell / Matt Orford Excludes: Trent Barrett and Benji Marshall - although they played alot of half-back I believe they are ball runners and should be grouped with the five-eighths.
D bomb
Guest
They aren't all in the EPL. And the Chigago bulls logo is still more well known than any EPL or other sporting logo
fiver
Guest
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man United and Arsenal are the biggest team brands in the world. Bigger than any american teams.
Willie La'ulu
Guest
Definitely. But I was going for top 5 players. I know Kobe is out, and has been for a period of time, but when for - few would argue he is top 5 quality. There are a lot of other better comparisons for Cooper, but in regards to "current top 5" , I thought Kobe suited fit
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Sorry, I just realised you are the author. Good article for what it's worth. Still reckon Cronk's more like a Steve Nash (and Stockton/Kidd before him) but fair enough.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I will sit here and tell you that. Because it's true! In fact, I would say that the Knights of 1997 were even more theoretically ordinary than the Cowboys over the past several years. And anyway, the comment about the 1990s origin sides is self-evident in my opinion: JT would have had less an impact than Langer did...a great example was when Cronk was out for you blokes (assuming you're a Qlder) in games 1 and 2 this year - this was the perfect opportunity to put that criticism to bed. But no. (And Origin standard doesn't mean he actually played Origin). Anyway, I'm conscious of always coming across as bagging the bloke, I think he's excellent at what he does (as I've said many times). But "what he does" is not lead teams. He needs others to do that so he can shine. No shame in that, it's just the type of player he is. And he deservedly gets all those wraps for being that player. Anyway, all I'm trying to do is just question the prevailing wisdom from what I see on the field. I don't think the logic behind some of the candidates in the "whose the best" discussions is all that rigorous.
Willie La'ulu
Guest
In regards to my comparison. As you see it have stated it is current players , and no one matches the grit, determination and strong mind focus to KB then Coops
Willie La'ulu
Guest
Sorry. I meant Josh Hannay *
Willie La'ulu
Guest
You can't sit here and tell me that JTs cowboys teams are in any league as to what Joey, Alfie or Cooper has had ? Joey had 3 certified Australians, and very solid players at that in Gidley, Tahu and Buderus. Take into account Simpson, Robbie O' and the Chief, he had excellent teams Alfie... Well he had of the QLD team behind him weekly. Nothing else to expand on there Cooper, well I'm a Storm fan, and I know exactly what he has had every year! JT.. Sure he's had two Australian props, so be it that Tamou, shouldn't even be in the top 5 props in the comp... Matt Scott is warrant selection.. Who else has he had on the level of those other players ? Payne? Really..? He played 0 rep games. Bowen - was brilliant no doubt in his time, but no Slater, nor Lockyer. Hannah? Bowman? Robert Lui? Ray T? If these make up a stacked line up then too have me bemused mate. In 3 years time when he retires, JT will retire the greatest. If he isn't the greatest now, he is definitely 2nd
Willie La'ulu
Guest
If you showed a senior citizen all 3 logos, I dare say the nba would be the most commonly known one (take away the letters of course). EPL isn't even the best league in it's sport, so I wouldn't take that argument into account. NFL is huge no doubt, but really only exceeds America, Canada and maybe Mexico. The NBA is worldwide (so is the EPL), and is worldwide recognized. I am a huge fan of the EPL though, don't get me wrong. I appreciate the feedback !
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
If that's an attack, then sheesh, I shudder to think as to what is stinging criticism. Like being floged with a wet lettuce. Downplay his brilliance? I did say "He is great, no doubt" (!) Anyway. Open to counterarguments. Got any?
Jimmy
Guest
Jackson, you are so scared of Thurston and take any opportunity to downplay his brilliance, why is this? Your unwarranted attack concludes us to believe you actually think Thurston is the best you have ever seen. lol
Johnno
Guest
EPL might have a thing or 2 to say about the NBA being the most formidable sporting brand in the World. Even the NFL might. NFL is mainly just a 3 country market US/Canada/Mexico, but it rate strongly there. NFL ratings are bigger in US than NBA.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I agree...but even then it would have to be more than once, for mine. For me the comparison in this: you take put JT in all those third-rate Qld teams of the 1990s (apologies Qlders, but its true - no shame in not having the cattle) and I don't think the Maroons are anywhere near as competitive as they actually were. Plus, JT's roster aren't full of slouches. And, he had Bowen and Payne there for a very long time, both of which were Origin standard.
fiver
Guest
If Thurston can take the cowboys to a premiership win then I would only have Johns ahead of him for halfbacks. I rate him higher than Langer though who had amazing broncos teams around him his whole career.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
"...JT will go down as the greatest halfback ever once he retires..." I disagree with this in the strongest possible terms. He is great, no doubt, but the greatest ever half-back, well, I just don't see it. I would put Johns, Langer and even Cronk before him. The fact that he's been the central playmaker at the NRL's most consistently underachieiving teams is a case in point. I can't imagine Johns, for example, ever being halfback in a side that only rarely wins away from home. Thurston had the perfect opportunity to take charge of Qld while Cronk was out...and he just went missing. Honestly, though, it's not a knock on Thurston - he's just the type of player who needs other players to lead the team so he can do his own thing. A lot of his success coincided with Lockyer's, Smith's, Cronk's and Slater's...whereas when the burden falls to him on his own, he just doesn't seem to respond. Which is what will count against him in those inevitable "Immortal" discussions...he just doesn't have those times where he single-handedly lead his team to victory against the odds in big games...like Johns, Lockyer and co. Anyway, appreciate the comparison, and understand that my argument here is beside the article's point. I think an equally apt one would be Cronk-John Stockton and Thurston-Isaiah Thomas (JT's a better bloke though).