The Balmain Tigers are a foundation club and won 11 premierships.
They unfortunately don’t exist and now are a joint-venture team with the Western Suburbs Magpies called the Wests Tigers.
1. Garry Jack
Known for his barnstorming kick returns that normally broke the first line of defence, Jack was calm under pressure and had an all-round game. He was the best fullback in the world from the mid to late ’80s, which amounted to a Golden Boot win.
2. Arthur Patton
The Port Kembla flyer was an outstanding winger who captained Balmain to a premiership victory in 1944. He played a game on a broken leg, which was amazing for a winger who predominantly needed to run. He was the first Balmain player to 100 tries and retired as their greatest ever try scorer.
3. Tim Brasher
He made his debut while still in high school. Brasher was effective anywhere in the outside backs. His 1996 season was extraordinary as he was the driving force in a weak Balmain team that almost made the finals. His two try-saving tackles in the 1992 State of Origin decider proved vital in giving the Blues a close series win.
4. Ellery Hanley
He was perhaps the best import from England. The impact Hanley brought to Balmain was measurable. He had good form in 1988, when he scored so many crucial tries and helped them make the grand final. He was knocked out cold by Terry Lamb in the grand final. His pace coupled with strength made him a true game breaker. I wish he stayed in Australia for a longer period of time.
5. Keith Barnes
He was nicknamed ‘Golden Boots’ as he was the best goal kicker of his era. His gritty defence and courage gave the Balmain sides a real hardened edge, which saw them grind out many games as close games. He captained Australia in 1959. He kicked ten out of 11 goals against Leeds, however his game-winning conversion from 57 metres out against St George will go down as one of the best clutch conversions ever.
6. Olsen Filipaina
He was a pioneer for Polynesian players as he was perhaps their first big star. Filipaina wasn’t consistent, however, as he was dropped to reserve grade and still played for New Zealand. When he was on, he was such a damaging ball runner that had a great bump off. He was so strong so he couldn’t be tackled easily. Also he put on some brutal hits. He was such an iconic figure in New Zealand rugby league.
7. Arthur Halloway
He was a part of NSW’s first ever game. He was halfback in Balmain winning five straight grand finals. His vision and passing gave his backs opportunities to score. He was so tough he had his finger amputated on the morning one day, and later that afternoon he led his team to a victory with a bloody bandage.
8. Kerry Hemsley
He was a cult hero. His moustache and long flowing hair made him a fan favourite. He was a true enforcer who came up with a play in attack or defence to change the momentum of the game.
9. Ben Elias
He revolutionised the way hookers play. He was one of the first hookers to be the focal point of the attack. He was so elusive around the ruck. Elias’ field goal, which hit the crossbar, will go down in infamy in the 1989 grand final. He was an inspirational NSW captain. Elias was the greatest hooker when he retired.
(Photo by Getty Images)
10. Steve Roach
He was one of the great personalities. This bull-like prop was powerful as he could monster opposition packs and have soft hands with the ball. His aggression and tenacity made him one of the of the most controversial on-field players for his suspensions and clashes with referees. Being taken off the field in the ’89 grand final goes down as one of the great coaching blunders.
11. Paul Sironen
He played American college football for the University of Hawaii. Sironen made an instant impact in his rookie year, being crowned rookie of the year. His peak saw him be a destructive ball runner who used his tall frame to his advantage. His performances for Australia like Game 3 in the Ashes against Great Britain cemented his legacy as an all-time great.
12. Harry Bath
He has the moniker of the best foward to never play for Australia. He played most of his career in England. When he returned to Australia he helped Balmain win two premierships. He was known for his ball-playing skills, which was unusual for second rowers at the time, and his ability to kick goals.
13. Wayne Pearce
The dedication and discipline he had to the game set the standard for how a player in the modern game should approach the sport. He didn’t drink or smoke. He wasn’t the most talented but his determination was easily his best best trait. He only weighed 88 kilos but used his heart and leadership as his best asset. He was captain of the NSW Blues’ first ever series sweep.
Bench: Jim Craig, Bruce Maguire, Bob Boland, Peter Provan
Coach: Norman Robinson
The team’s foward pack is the strength. Roach, Sironen, Pearce and Hemsley give Balmain an amazing platform, plus they have a mean streak in them to intimidate opponents.
The backs also possess strike with Jack’s dangerous kick returns coupled with Brasher giving opposition teams nightmares. Hanley is the most damaging player, and his game-breaking ability gives Balmain someone who can win a game for them by himself.
The central point of the attack is Elias, whose darts and creativity around the ruck will give teams fits as they will already be concerned with dealing with the other great players on the team.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Yeah. I guess different guys will be in all of our lists. They’re mine; Mullins hampered by the soup and the gaspers - I’m sure today he wonders about what could have been. Belcher : I saw him play his first game for Canberra at Brookie back in 1986. Same year my first grandchild was born. He was great in that game, and that year. But you’ll probably remember that two fullbacks were included in the 1986 Kangaroo tour : Belcher, and Jack. Belcher didn’t get a game because of the way Jack was wearing the Green and Gold at Fullback if my memory hasn’t failed me. Great player though, but personally I prefer Jack. Ask me again in six months !
Davico
Roar Pro
No room for Mullins? Jack could not even beat Belcher into the Oz side, you rank Jack higher than him? I grew up watching Jimmy every week at LO and while he was a great footballer I would have quite a few ahead of him on an all time list.
Davico
Roar Pro
Sorry Phil that was meant for Hard Yards! I pretty much agree with your list
Dexter The Hamster
Roar Rookie
Surprise surprise.... :laughing:
Plastered Plasterer
Guest
A mate of mine worked at the Avalon Bowlo about 25 yrs ago , we came up from Wagga and had a game there and went back that night for the deeesco. Nice part of Sydney up there.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing:
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
That's got to be same record for player and coach GFs.
Mike B
Guest
I feel Greg Brentnall is a very underrated and forgotten player. I'm not suggesting he was one of the absolute greats but he was very good. He was good enough to be the fullback in the test team for the 1982 Invincibles. He certainly didn't look out of place in a back line featuring Meninga, Steve Rogers, Kenny, Sterlo, Grothe, Boustead and Wally.
Mike B
Guest
Yes, I'm surprised Allan McMahon wasn't even mentioned in the article. He was a great player. He played few times for Australia. As I recall he was mainly a fullback but often was used in the centres. I'd definitely have him on the bench at least. I really rated him back in the day.
Faisal Ajiz
Guest
Very strong all time Balmain side. I would replace Olsen Filipana with Dave Bolton. Dave Bolton played a big role in Balmain reaching the 1966 grand final and winning the 1969 grand final. He was a retrospective Clive Churchill medal winner in 1969 and one of the best British imports.
qingdao16 .
Roar Rookie
Thanks Boss for your look at the Tigers of the past. As a current Balmain Tiger fan it's good to see the old club is not forgotten. If I had my way I'd dissolve the Wests Tigers tomorrow and bring back Balmain and West Subs as separate entities. Their merge never felt right with me, even in 2005 when they won the premiership. Oh well, I guess I'll just keep my wonderful memories of my Tiger days.
qingdao16 .
Roar Rookie
Larry was one of the fastest players I ever saw in football boots.
qingdao16 .
Roar Rookie
Do you mean Larry Corowa?
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Yes mate. I’m a gentleman ( in my own view of the world) and by definition I prefer the way of the amateur. Nevertheless, in the hurly burley of professionalism, it is a reality that full time blokes with really focused training, coaching, sports psychology, conditioning, and preparation in general do have this advantage over their amateur antecedents, who played among similarly deprived opponents. The advantage is that their raw talent is really cultivated to produce the fruit which the potential promised. So do we see the raw talent, raw and unimproved by today’s standards, of Wombat, Changa, Churchill, Thornett measure up against guys running around today? Could they be champions today? Sadly we will never know, just as that smart kid from a home with limited means may never go on to be a heart surgeon. So my bias is, consistent with those observations, limited to players who are better on an objective standard, rather than a rather romantic and subjective view of the past. Therefore my 10 in no order : billy slater, teddy, minichiello, Gary jack, Inglis, Lockyer, Tim brasher, Roger tuivasa-sheck, Brett Stewart, Jarryd Hayne.
Big Daddy
Guest
We've all got a cross to bear. What's this book you've written enlighten me. :happy:
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
Bath was graded with Brisbane Souths when only 16-years-old, and won a premiership with them in 1945. After moving to Sydney, Bath played in the Balmain premierships in 1946 and 1947. Bath returned to Australia to play for Saints in three grand final wins from 1957 to 1959. The old fox coached Saints to premierships in 1977 & 1979.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
Sydney University started in 1920, Annandale's last year, and played until 1937 coming last 10 times. They made the final in 1926 losing to Souths.
Phil
Roar Rookie
I don't have a set in stone top ten but you made me think enough to draw up a list. Churchill, Langlands and Slater top three in that order followed by, in no particular order, Eadie, Ken Thornett, Greg Inglis, Tedesco, Jaryd Hayne Keith Barnes, Alan McMahon. There are others, Gary Belcher, Gary Jack, Tim Brasher,Ted Goodwin, Brett Stewart. All top notch No1s. I didn't see Churchill and Barnes play so their listing is based on historical accounts by better judges than me. All the others I did see play. The only reason I rate Langlands higher than Slater is because he played in a very brutal, savage era and for part of his career the defence line was only back five yards which of course made it harder for any attack yet Changa was brilliant. I might not have made myself clear when commenting on those you mentioned. What I meant was they would be outstanding no matter what era they played in because they were all gifted players.
Davico
Roar Pro
Just as a question can you list your 10? Not having a go just interested. I assume by what you have said that Clive Churchill would not be in the 10?? Or Eadie? Thornett? Changa?
Davico
Roar Pro
Oh dear!