Since it is the week of representative football, I thought it would be nice to recognise the unrecognised – the club player that has achieved it all by making first grade.
Every year, whether here on The Roar or elsewhere, fans debate just who is the most underrated player in the competition. Well, now we get to see what it would look like if they all lined up next to each other.
After all, without them we have no club competition. This is the NRL’s Unrepresentative Team.
So, to qualify, the player must not have played any senior rep footy, and have been in the NRL long enough not to expect it – no gun rookies.
Here is my team. They will be known as ‘The Senators’ because, as Paul Keating famously described them, they are unrepresentative swill.
Fullback: Corey Norman
Wing: Johnathon Wright
Centre: Dale Copley
Centre: William Zillman
Wing: Pat Richards
Five Eighth: Chad Townsend
Halfback: Jeff Robson
Lock: David Gower
Second Row: Scott Bolton
Second Row: Nigel Plum
Front Row: Jeremy Latimore
Hooker: Andrew McCullough
Front Row: Dave Tyrrell
Reserve: Blake Green
Reserve: Tim Browne
Reserve: Matt White
Reserve: Dane Tilse
Coach: Shane Flanagan
I know Dane Tilse has just departed the scene, but he is the reason I started thinking about this team. This mob may not win too many games, but they sure as hell would not let their teammates down.
Let me know what you think. Have I missed someone? Who would make your squad?
woppadingo
Guest
SEAN FENSOM - record breaking tackler. Heart of steel.
The lazy Phoenix
Roar Pro
He is so underrated that I forgot him...oops
joey jo jo
Guest
i strongly believe that mitch aubusson has been the most underrated player for the last 5 years or more. Has never represented country or city. Would love to see him in an origin jersey one day...if that will ever happen
Haz
Guest
Thing about Robson is, he's never been in a team because of raw talent. He's a good role player, though, because he kicks competently, and organises really well. His best years have been when the creative talent has come from a Hayne or a Carney alongside him.
The lazy Phoenix
Roar Pro
Yes he did - I stuffed that up. I guess Anthony Don will get drafted in. Can you imagine all the players pulling out if this was a real team??
The lazy Phoenix
Roar Pro
Good one Moose, I used that line a few weeks ago !! The only bottles I throw are home brews down my throat...
spruce moose
Guest
And Pat Richards represented Ireland no?
spruce moose
Guest
Hopefully a card carrying but not bottle throwing fan eh?
The lazy Phoenix
Roar Pro
Thanks Patrick - it was harder than it seemed when I first had the idea.
The lazy Phoenix
Roar Pro
Hi Peeko, I have included all minor rep teams so Kane Linnett (Scotland), Gavin Cooper (Prime Ministers XIII) and Aiden Tolman (Country) all miss out. Maybe I should look at the blokes who never played State or Test but should have? That would be fun. As a card carrying Bulldog fan, I did this exercise on my own site http://thelazyphoenix.com/my-favourite-bulldogs-clubmen/
The lazy Phoenix
Roar Pro
Probably both The eye. There is a fine line between being a regular first grader and make one of the myriad of rep teams (including second tier nations). I take your point though, it isn't really about the guys who play one or two games then disappear.
peeeko
Roar Guru
nice article, i was thinking Kane Linnett and Gavin Cooper. I would like to place Tolman ahead of Gower for 2 reason, gower has only played 50 NRL games and i dont count City vs Country as a rep game anymore, especially with the cliber of some guys that have got a run over hte last 5 years. In fact the whole "rep player" doesnt mean that much anymore as many fringe NRL players are Fiji, Tongan, Italian reps etc
peeeko
Roar Guru
Robson has had an interesting career, he seemed destined to be a reserve grader before getting that start in the Hayne Train team of 09. somehow he is still playing in 2015 after basically debuting as a 27 year old
The eye
Guest
Are these players lucky to be playing 1st grade or unlucky not to have represented,Lazy ? Your 1st paragraph and ability of those selected says the former,but the rest and the comments says the latter..
The lazy Phoenix
Roar Pro
Yeah, I was struggling for centres - no real reflection on Copley. Pat Richards actually played for Ireland, so he is a rep player. That's what happens when you research after you publish !!
The lazy Phoenix
Roar Pro
I thought the selectors had him earmarked this year but for injury, so strictly speaking he should be in this side.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I believe Jake is kind of treading water while Cam Smith is still peaking.
Patrick Effeney
Editor
Classic.
Steve
Guest
Thank god we never have to watch this team play.
Niall
Roar Pro
Copley is only 23, I'm sure he'll play for Queensland eventually even if its only once. He's really improved over the last couple of years. I think there's a chance Richards might end up on a wing for NSW this year.