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Build your own NRL Dream Team for 2016

Roar Rookie
19th June, 2015
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The Roosters take on the Eels in a split round of NRL action. (Action Photographics, Renee McKay)
Roar Rookie
19th June, 2015
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4965 Reads

All NRL fans have put together some sort of dream team that they wish could be the line up for their club side.

We’ve all fantasised about having the likes of Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess line up in the same back row – it’s just a shame they’re no longer with us.

Imagine having Johnathan Thurston line up with Greg Inglis in a club side, or even have Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at the back with Shaun Johnson leading the way in the number 7. I guess luckily enough for Warriors fan that dream will turn reality next season.

What I’ve done here is given readers a scenario and an opportunity to put together there dream 17 for a new club team – a topic open to much debate. Who would you have lining up for your newly established club in 2016?

The fun part is that we can live the dream of no salary cap! No limits, no price tags – just name your desired 17.

So here’s the scenario…

You’ve just started a new rugby league Franchise for 2016 – the 17th NRL team.
Yourself and the head coach needs to recruit wisely, you must take into account the present and also the future. It has been emphasised that you need to add a mix of young blood along with some experience in order to balance out a side that can be competitive for the 2016 season.

However, it has been thoroughly suggested that you look towards the future in a plan to achieve a premiership by the year 2020. With no salary cap restraints, you can choose any player, from any club you wish.

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Who you would like to see line up for next season?

You must pick a captain, a vice captain and select three extra players to sit in an extended bench of 20. Oh, and don’t forget to select your head coach too!

So comment below your top 17, join in on the debate and share your thoughts. Below is my Dream Team for 2016.

Starting line-up
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck: Fast becoming the most exciting player in rugby league, Tuivasa-Sheck boasts outstanding footwork and uncanny knack to find his way through the smallest of gaps. A genuine NRL Superstar, with more experience at fullback, it’s scary to think how good he can be.

2. Alex Johnston: I don’t think there is any other player in the game that the ability to find the try line as much as AJ. Blistering pace, the heir to Inglis’ number 1 jersey – a big future ahead.

3. Dylan Walker: A kid with big wraps from some of the games greatest. Incredibly light on his feet, and a confidence that is simply not found on a player as young as walker. 21 years of age – has rep footy written all over him.

4. James Roberts: Is there a more exciting player to watch in the NRL at the moment? In career-best form, Roberts sits second on try scoring list with 13 to his name. If he is able to keep his head on his shoulders, the fastest man in rugby league has a massive future ahead of him.

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5. Josh Mansour: At 25 years of age, Mansour has built a reputation as one of the best wingers in the game. Incredibly strong, a metre-eater who breaks tackles for fun. If he stays injury free, a NSW jersey is certainly not far away

6. Kieran Foran: He’s only 24 and one of the best five-eighths in the game. A fierce competitor with great vision and an incredible ability to close out a game when needed. Can partner close mate Pearce in the halves – will become one of NZ’s greatest players.

7. Mitchell Pearce: It’s weird to think the Mitchell Pearce is just 26 years of age. Without doubt the most scrutinised player in the competition, I pick Pearce for his big game experience and leadership qualities. With an incredible passing game, Mitch can help balance out some inexperience within the new squad.

8. Aaron Woods: At just 24, Aaron Woods has a big future ahead of him now becoming one of the best front-rowers in the game. The NSW prop has had a remarkable year and is an absolute workhorse. Gets through a lot of work and has plenty of representative footy ahead of him.

9. Cameron Smith (c): With no salary cap, you just can’t not have the future immortal in the side. Incredible leader both on and off the field, one of the greatest players of all time – his ability to control a game is second to none.

10. Jesse Bromwich: One of, if not the best, front rowers in the game. The amount of work Bromwich gets through defensively and in attack is ridiculous. A real team player who works tirelessly for his side, a true testament to a player who has show through in the past two seasons.

11. Ryan James: At just 23, Ryan James has a big future ahead of him. Standing at 1.94m and 121kg, James manages to get through a lot of work defensively and does the dirty work when needed. A big asset to a young side.

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12. Josh Jackson: One of the best young forwards coming through in the NRL, has already made a name for himself gaining selection for the Blues in 2015. A well disciplined player who is tough and physical when required, would love to have him in my side.

13. Martin Taupau: Alright seriously, how scary is this bloke? There’s people saying who could legitimately become unstoppable. Strongest man in the game, an aggressive player with a physical presence that can intimidate opposition forwards – a license to kill.

Bench
14. Dylan Napa: The big hitter, can pull off some brutal hits. Loves to aim up to anyone who runs at him, no matter who they are. Queensland 18th man, a great player with a massive future.

15. Chris Grevsmuhl: Grevsmuhl has been in outstanding form over the past couple of months of the NRL season coming off the bench for the Rabbitohs. Can run lines and hit holes like a 100 gamer, he gets through a lot of work for the minutes he’s been getting. A future Origin player.

16. David Klemmer: How good was this bloke in Origin 2? Made for the arena! Has a tough and fierce aggression that sometimes needs to be maintained – but without doubt a man with huge potential to become one of the most feared forwards in the game. With a six-figure contract while he was still in Holden Cup, you know he’s good.

17. Jared Warea-Hargreaves: One of the most aggressive forwards in the game, Jared has proven to be one of the most feared front rowers in rugby league. Will add a lot of experience to the forward pack and a mongrel that is needed to dominate forward packs in big games.

Extended squad
18. Matt Moylan: Would of loved to of have him in the team. A ball playing fullback who is instrumental in most tries for the Panthers. Up the top in both try assists and line break assists. Invaluable – however couldn’t go past Roger.

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19. Anthony Milford: I don’t think there is a player in the game with as much potential as Milford. Has brilliant footwork and agility, not to mention his speed and acceleration is of the best in the game. An absolute freak of nature who can create something from nothing, he can only get better with experience in the number 6 jersey for the broncos.

20. Andrew Fifita: A true x-factor for the Sharks. Manages to create opportunities that seemingly other forwards in the comp cannot do. On his day, he is simply unstoppable. Origin player who was unlucky to miss out on selection for Game 2 – Big player, big future.

Coach
Wayne Bennett: Arguably the greatest coach of all time, Wayne Bennett is known to be a true manager of men. An ability to get the best out of his players, and a respect that is not only demanded, but something he earns among all players who have been lucky enough to player under him.

A man of few words, no doubt he sits along side Jack Gibson as one of rugby league’s greatest mentors.

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