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Opinion
Rugby league in Australia has had many celebrated red-headed players over the years, with probably none more famous in recent times than outstanding player, Origin-winning coach, and Channel Nine broadcaster Paul Vautin.
Other blood nuts, like the Cowboys’ tackling machine Steve ‘Bluey’ Southern, the Broncos’ ginger werewolf Brad Myers, North Sydney reincarnation advocate Greg Florimo, Wests Tigers giant Keith Galloway, and the flying winger Brett Dallas, were among the best players in the game while at the peak of their careers.
Now, worryingly to some, it seems that carrot-topped player numbers are on the decline, so here’s a side of blood nuts to ponder before they totally disappear.
1. Kalyn Ponga
Newcastle’s marquee player and number one ranga. Big things are expected of ‘Ranga Ponga’ this year.
(Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
2. Jack Reed
Classy Broncos outside back who also turned out for England before injury cut his career short.
3. Brad Parker
A Manly clubman through and through who is entering his sixth season for the Sea Eagles, and really looks the part when he grows his rusty beard.
4. Dennis Brandley
Here’s one for the old Dragons fans. Brandley was a flame-haired tearaway centre for St George in the late ’60s and early ’70s.
5. Nathan Green
Big and versatile, Green was simply red, not green.
6. Mick Neil
A great player from the ’80s and ’90s whose curly red locks stood out like a beacon on the field as he carved up the opposition.
7. Alan Neil
He should form a wonderful halves combination with his younger brother.
8. Tom Flegler
A huge front rower now firmly entrenched in the Broncos’ pack at the age of just 22, and one of the more handsome red heads to play the game (or so I’m told).
9. Alan Tongue
‘Tonguey’ was a Raiders legend, one-club player, and their first high profile ranga.
10. Dylan Napa
The big blood nut is now plying his trade in the UK and should keep the sports journalists and Super League judiciary busy.
11. Lance Thompson
One of the best players, and certainly the best carrot top, to ever play for the Dragons, after making his first-grade debut at the age of just 17.
12. Hudson Young
A strong performer, who like many red heads before him sometimes struggles with his on-field discipline.
13. James Graham
He has virtually had two 200-game careers, the first in England and the second in Australia, with Canterbury and St George Illawarra. Like any good blood nut, he was never far from the on-field action.
James Graham (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Coach: Phil Gould
A much better coach than he was a player or is a broadcaster, and now pulling the strings at the Dogs.
So there they are. Red heads one and all. Can you think of anyone who should be in this team?
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