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Today I continue my series with the Sydney Roosters, the only team to play every single season in rugby league history.
The Roosters have won 13 premierships and 19 minor premierships and have had a range of great players in this time.
1. Anthony Minichello- 18 caps for Australia, 3 for Italy, 11 for NSW, Golden Boot Winner, fullback of the year, Wally Lewis medal winner, RLIF Back of the year
‘Mini’ established himself as one of the most dangerous attacking players in the game. In the early 2000s he was in his element in broken field and from kick returns.
2. Kerry Boustead- 25 caps Australia, 6 for Queensland, winger of the year
Boustead dominated from a young age. His pace and agility along with strong defence made him of the finest wingers in his time. He was picked to play for Australia at 18 years old.
3. Dally Messenger- 7 caps for Australia, 2 for NZ, 25 for NSW
An argument can be made that he is the reason why rugby league in Australia is how it is today. Messenger’s defection from union to league drew in crowds and sparked interest in rugby league.
Only standing at 172cmm his stocky build, amazing coordination and skill made him one of the best players ever.
He was known to kick goals from anywhere on the field. The NRL’s best and fairest is named after him, which is a testament a champion of the game.
4. Dave Brown- 9 caps for Australia, 19 for NSW
When you are known as ‘The Bradman of League’ you know you’re getting a spot on this team, Brown was great talent. He claimed a number of records, including 38 tries in one year and 45 points in one match. He played for NSW and also captained them at just 19 years old.
5. Roger Tuivasa- Scheck- 8 caps for New Zealand, winger of the year, fullback of the year, RLIF winger of the year, RLW Player of the year
RTS posses the greatest footwork and stepping ability ever in rugby league. He has just three full seasons of NRL but has established himself as one the best players in the game. He shattered the record for most metres in a season and is only 22.
6. Brad Fittler- 38 caps for Australia, 31 for NSW, 2x centre of the year, lock of the year, 3x five-eighth of the year
Fittler was one of the most skilled players in rugby league. He won three different positional awards showing his great versatility. Fittler’s famous right foot step led to countless line breaks and his composure and calmness in big moments made him one of the best players in his generation.
7. Kevin Hastings- 1 cap for NSW, 3 x halfback of the year, 3 x RLW Player of the year
It is a crime that Hastings never played for Australia. He had everything you wanted in halfback and was a standout for the Roosters for many years. His son Jackson now plays for the Roosters.
8. Arthur Beetson- 28 caps for Australia, 17 caps NSW, 1 for Queensland, RLW Player of Year
The best attacking prop the game has ever seen, ‘Artie’ was just too good. His bulky frame and ability to offload at will made him an Immortal.
9. Craig Wing- 16 caps for Australia, 12 for NSW
Wing was one if the finest attacking hookers in the last 20 years. His quickness from dummy half and creativity around the ruck allowed him to be a great impact player.
10. Adrian Morley- 30 caps for Great Britain, 17 for England, RLIF Prop of the year
One of the most aggressive players in the game’s history, Morley just used his rage and power to make him one of the most feared props in the game. He sometimes let his aggression get the better of him but there was no doubting his place among the finest English players.
11. Luke Ricketson- 6 caps for Australia, 10 for NSW
Ricketson – a local junior – had a game which was built on strong defence. Ricketson was the rock of the Roosters success in the early 2000s.
12. Craig Fitzgibbon- 18 caps for Australia, 11 for NSW, Clive Churchill Medal Winner, and Wally Lewis Medal Winner
The 80-minute workhorse who always made the most tackles and hit ups, Fitzgibbon played the game as if his life depended on it.
13. Hugh McGhan – 32 caps for New Zealand, Golden Boot Winner, Second Row of the year
This Kiwi product is the best import to play for the Roosters. His attacking flair and skill made him New Zealand’s all-time leading try scorer.
Bench: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Ron Coote, Bryan Fletcher, Russell Fairfax
The Roosters, after the Rabbitohs, are the most successful foundation club. How would this side match it with the other great XVIIs?
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