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?
cedric
Guest
I think you just contradicted yourself james.
nerval
Guest
This Warriors line-up would lose by 50 points to the Boss' best ever Manly team.
peeeko
Roar Guru
enjoyable series of articles Boss, may i ask why you think this is one of the more talented sides? it is the weakest side so far (they have only 20 year history) is it because you believe that Polynesian players possess more talent?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Kearney only played a couple of seasons with the Warriors and while he was a good player they weren't his best years, the Warriors didn't achieve too much while he was there and there are a ton of back rowers who have had better stints at the club than Kearney.
The Barry
Roar Guru
At his best definitely...there's a lot of tripe in between his best.
Ra
Guest
Duuurrrrhhhh .... where's Steve Kearney ????
Johnno
Guest
Hooker Robert Mears, and utility Jason Bell did some good work at the Warriors. As did Lee Oudenryn For hooker I'd have to go with 90's hooker Syd Eru, he was better than PJ Marsh who was a good player too.
dave tekani
Guest
Totally agree with Kata needs work but I think its been a hard learn at times this year Hurell has been poor and never fit consistantly a great junior but never really be the center we need lolihia is a star and hes been showing he is very capable.Wright is more a winger in my eyes but I really like the looks of young Moala big tall and fast
Squidward
Roar Rookie
I remember McKinnon had that freak year were he was close to beat fullback in the comp and maybe led dally m for a good while. Spat on someone too
maximillian
Guest
A bit of love for Swann in the comments. I never rated him as a player & he wouldn't be anywhere near my best ever side.
maximillian
Guest
Defensively both Kata & Hurrell are rubbish. Kata is still in his 1st season after graduating from the U20s & is at least fit enough to play 1st grade so Id keep him. Im unsure whats happening with Allwood? He played a bit of centre last year with the Raiders but has barely been sighted this season. Id also stick with the unfashionable Jonathon Wright. He has his critics but he doesn't have the volume of calamitous errors the other outside backs have & also has the experience that is lacking in a young 3/4 line. As a Warriors fan, 2016 cant come soon enough.
jamesb
Guest
1. G. Alexander 2. Francis Meli 3. C. Toopi 4. B.Tate 5. M. Vatevai 6. S.Johnson 7. S.Jones 8. S.Price 9. PJ Marsh 10. R. Wiki 11. S. Mannering 12. A.Lautiti 13. K. Campion
jamesb
Guest
Hurrell is NRL standard. He is just inconsistent.
dave tekani
Guest
Team 4 2016 1 Sheck 2 Manu 3 Need 2 sprnd some mone to find a steady center dosent need to be the great attacker 4 kata 5 Moala(looks good give him another season 6 Lolihia Give this kid time after what we've seen great hopes 7 Jhonson 8 Matilino 9 Luke 10 Lilyman 11 Thompson 12 Hoffman 13 Mannering
dave tekani
Guest
1 Cleary 2 Meli 3 Vagana 4 Toopi 5 Manu 6 Maloney 7 Jones 8 Wiki 9 Marsh 10 Price(C) 11 Swann 12 Mannering 13 Campion 14 Hohia 15 Lauititi 16Matilino 17 Hoffman 18 Jhonson Hurell no needs to focuss on his fittness and tackling. Hoffman already seen enough 2 say hes gonna be 2 of our best purchases ever!!!!!!!
Stu
Guest
Swann was the most overrated player ever. Never broke the line, always driven back with the slowest play the ball around.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Good side, but only one coach has a >50% winning record at the club and took them to minor premiership and a GF appearance
cedric
Guest
I think this was done as a phone- in vote, so alot of young ones don't know who's who. And Johnson and Jones were both on the half backs list so only one could make it. For mine Hurrell out (not even really anywhere), Tate in. Matalino in the team Joe Vagana on the bench, Wiki out, his best footie was at Canberra. Johnson in Jones on bench. Nigel Vagana (now 2nd highest try scorer after Vatuvei spent 10 years bettering it) in for Toopi who was a world beater for one year. McKinnon (split a game wide open) in for Cleary. I recall being at a west Auckland beach seeing McKinnon, Hohaia and Henderson, the latter two had that many muscules they looked a bit like aliens, yet McKinnon who was sooo hard to put on the turf had a barrell body with skinny arms and legs!
Aaron
Guest
there's an Auckland cop name Tony Tatupu, he used to be a pretty useful warrior too..Joe Vagana, Logan Swann and Tea Ropati were also pretty good..
maximillian
Guest
The only way Cleary makes this team is as headcoach. Brent Webb had a few good years at fullback & Id also consider Wade McKinnon a better option. 1. Webb 2. Meli 3. Toopi 4. Tate 5. Vatuvei 6. Maloney 7. Jones 8. Price (c) 9. Marsh 10. Wiki 11. Lauitiiti 12 Mannering 13. Campion 14. Johnson 15. Lilyman 16. Matulino 17. Luck head coach: Cleary best jersey 2012 Tiki Heritage Jersey