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It’s often said the best sporting franchises have the most premiership, however another way to measure a team’s greatness is by the players who have turned out for them.
This is the start of a series of each NRL club’s greatest team. I will go in alphabetical order, beginning with the Brisbane Broncos.
The criteria I’m using is:
Brisbane Broncos
1. Darren Locker
59 caps for Australia, 36 for Queensland, Clive Churchill Medal Winner, twice Golden Boot Winner
One of the modern greats, the NRL’s most capped players and Australia’s most capped player was best in the world in two positions, however his best days were in the number 1 jersey.
He changed the way fullbacks play with his ball skills, and was instrumental in the Broncos winning four premiership.
The Broncos greatest ever player.
2. Wendell Sailor
16 caps for Australia, 14 for Queensland.
Scoring 110 tries from 189 games, Sailor was the best winger from the 90s, and his ability to rack up metres like a forward was a true asset for the Broncos.
Shame he went to rugby, as he could have been an all-time great. The knock on him was he didn’t really fire at Origin level.
3. Steve Renouf
11 caps for Australia, 10 for Queensland
‘The Pearl’ was a try-scoring machine, his 142 tries in 183 making him Brisbane’s all time leading try scorer.
Scored a quadruple on five occasions and his hat-trick in the 1997 Super League grand final saw him awarded man of the match – a rare feet for a centre.
4. Justin Hodges
24 caps for Queensland, 13 for Australia, 2007 centre of the year
Love him or hate him, you can’t deny his talent. The tall, powerful Hodges has a knack of setting up his winger and making breaks with his amazing footwork.
One of the best players to run out of dummy half, time and time again he picked up 20 metres with a simple side step.
The king of sledging and probably most hated player south of the border, you cannot deny his greatness.
5. Michael Hancock
14 caps for Queensland, 13 for Australia, 1997 winger of the year
Hancock’s pace and wide-legged running style allowed him to easily change direction. Bagged 122 tries, making second on the Broncos all-time try-scoring list.
6. Kevin Walters
20 caps for Queensland, 11 for Australia
I understand Wally Lewis is an Immortal, but he didn’t play well at all for the Broncos.
Walters on the other hand guided Brisbane to premierships, and he and Alfie Langer were the team’s greatest halves pairing.
7. Alfie Langer
24 caps for Australia, 34 for Queensland, Clive Churchill Medal Winner, and four times halfback of the year
Although only standing at 165cm, Langer played well above his size. His bursts of speed around the ruck terrorised defences, while his dangerous grubbers made him one of the best playmakers his era.
8. Shane Webcke
25 caps for Australia, 24 for Queensland, three time prop of the year
A no-excuse, hardworking prop, Webcke may have not been the most talented player but he was a leader of men and head of a pack that was integral to Brisbane’s success.
9. Kerrod Walters
7 caps for Queensland, 8 for Australia, twice hooker of the year
Kerrod and twin brother Kevin formed one of the greatest family connections in rugby league. His spark and flair from dummy half was a driving factor in the Broncos’ glory years. He even beat Benny Elias for the starting hooker role for the Australian side, showing his great ability.
10. Glenn Lazarus
21 caps for Australia, 19 for NSW, prop of the year
‘The Brick with Eyes’ was one of best props in the world, his large frame making him a nightmare to tackle.
A big-game player, he won three premierships with different teams.
11. Brad Thorn
The Kiwi-born forward has had one of the most unique careers in sport. Thorn turned down offer to play for the Kiwis in league to play Origin for Queensland, then for Australia, before switching to rugby to play for the All Blacks.
One of the best dual internationals, he is the only player in history to win an NRL grand final, State of Origin series, World Club Challenge, Rugby World Cup and Super Rugby title.
12. Gorden Tallis
13 caps for Australia, 17 for Queensland, second row of year, Clive Churchill Medal Winner
The former St George forward was one of the most aggressive players ever, which sometimes got the best of him, but when Tallis was on he dominated his opponents.
There was no finer example than when he dragged Brett Hodgson into touch in Origin.
13. Corey Parker
12 caps for Australia, 16 for Queensland, RLIF lock of year, Wally Lewis Medal winner
Parker’s consistency and amazing longevity gets him a nod in the starting squad. Even now at 33 he is one of the best locks going around, and his ability to goal kick shows his his rare talent.
His offloading skill is his best asset, having caused so many problems for the Blues.
The only knock on this team is the fact that there are no Dally M Medal winners. On the other hand every single player on this team has played State of Origin and Test football. If this team where to take to the field, the forward combination of Webcke, Tallis and Lazarus would provide Brisbane with an amazing go forward. From there Alfie and Locky would create space for Hancock, Renouf and Sailor to add to the 100 tries each have scored.
Brisbane has been one of NRL’s most dominant teams, and the strength of this list shows why.
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