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I continue my series by naming the New Zealand Warriors’ best team ever.
New Zealand has produced some great talent over the years and this team will demonstrate that talent.
1. Ivan Cleary
A very classy fullback who had a great work ethic. A point-scoring wizard who made the fullback position his own.
2. Francis Meli
13 caps for New Zealand, 7 for Samoa
One of the most entertaining wingers to ever play, Meli was a powerful winger with amazing finesse and skill.
3. Clinton Toopi
22 caps for New Zealand
A fantastic centre with ball skills and a nice step. Toopi was physical specimen who was a game breaker.
4. Konrad Hurrell
4 caps for Tonga
A compete wrecking ball, there is no other way to put it. There are times where he just runs straight and has defenders bouncing off him, and when you can bulldoze over the likes of Greg Inglis you know what type of player he is.
5. Manu Vatuvei
27 caps for New Zealand, twice winger of the year
‘The Beast’ has made himself one of the most damaging and destructive wingers ever. Manu can score tries with multiple defenders surrounding him but use his brute strength to break through. He has broken the record for scoring 10 tries or more for 10 years straight. The Jonah Lomu of rugby league.
6. James Maloney
3 caps for NSW
He finally solved the five-eighth dilemma that has plagued the Warriors for years, was a great kicker and made plenty of line breaks off ball from Feleti Mateo.
7. Stacey Jones
45 caps for New Zealand, Golden Boot winner
The little master was the heart and soul of the Warriors, he could guide a team around the park and make magical runs that would mesmerise a defence.
8. Steve Price
16 caps for Australia, 28 for Queensland
Such an inspirational leader, even though Price came to New Zealand in the latter part of his career it didn’t stop the charge-down king laying such a great platform for the Warriors.
9. PJ Marsh
4 caps for Queensland
Marsh made the best of his time in New Zealand with his darting runs and quick play the ball.
10. Ruben Wiki
55 caps for New Zealand
Wiki finally joined the Warriors and played with his heart on his sleeve. Wiki was a thick, hard-nosed player who alongside Price gave the Warriors their best ever go-forward.
11. Ali Lauitiiti
19 caps for New Zealand, four for Samoa and second rower of the year
What a waste of talent, he left the NRL too soon. Lauitiiti was the Michael Jordan of the NRL, he had sublime ball skills, could offload or flick pass the ball at will, and had amazing footwork that could bust the line. He left too soon but his form in 2002 was unbelievable and probably the best season from a second rower ever. Such a shame.
12. Simon Mannering
40 caps for New Zealand
Mannering has been the constant of the Warriors and the Kiwis for so many years. He puts his body, heart and soul into every game, is formidable in defence and just as good at offloads. The Richie McCaw for Kiwi rugby league.
13. Kevin Campion
4 caps for Ireland
Only was in New Zealand for two years but he made an immediate impact on the team. His toughness and defensive attitude was felt by the whole side.
Bench
Lance Hohaia, Ben Matulino, Michael Luck, Iafeta Paleaaesina
In terms of natural talent the Warriors may have the best. With the master Stacey Jones guiding the team around, he will feed of the power of forwards Price, Wiki and Matulino.
With bulldozers on the flanks this Warriors team will have a power game unmatched, they are a scary side to defend against. There is no doubting this team has power and skill but is this enough to make them the all-time greats?
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