Foxsports Top 20 Players of the NRL Era

[Rhino_NQ]

Kennedy I’m pretty sure won only one comp didn’t he? Anyway while he was a lot better in his pomp than Gallen, he was effective for a much, much shorter period, & was wracked with injuries.

Margin’s not so great when those things are considered.

I remember him spending a fair bit of time on the sidelines for the knights but always seemed to be fit the round before the blues team was named. Was amazing for the eagles

 

[magpie_man]

Any love for Justin Hodges?
A first class grub but an unbelievable footballer.
I'd have him just below Inglis and just above Lyon as my 2nd best centre of the NRL era.

 

[TheFrog]

Any love for Justin Hodges?
A first class grub but an unbelievable footballer.
I'd have him just below Inglis and just above Lyon as my 2nd best centre of the NRL era.

On his day very dangerous, but not top 20 of the NRL era.

 

[Bronco18]

Any love for Justin Hodges?
A first class grub but an unbelievable footballer.
I'd have him just below Inglis and just above Lyon as my 2nd best centre of the NRL era.

Taking off my one-eyed Bronco supporter glasses, can't see him as top 20 material.

HOWEVER, an interesting "what-if" is how his career would've went on if he didn't have dodgy knees and hamstrings. If he kept his speed on top of his step and strength, he would've been a hell of a player...

 

[Tommy Smith]

Taking off my one-eyed Bronco supporter glasses on, can't see him as top 20 material.

HOWEVER, an interesting "what-if" is how his career would've went on if he didn't have dodgy knees and hamstrings. If he kept his speed on top of his step and strength, he would've been a hell of a player...

I always felt that Hodgo's absolute prime was at the Roosters from mid 2002 - mid 2003 when he tore his ACL at Suncorp.

He was obviously a great player afterwards, but prior to his knee injury he possessed devastating power, footwork and acceleration to burst through the defensive line.

I felt like he lost a bit of that later on and made more of an impact through being such a great natural footy player - great instincts, decision making and offloading/passing to put his winger away.

But before his injury he was all those things plus more of a physical threat. His 2002 right side combo with Minichiello was absolutely epic.

 

[Fangs]

Taking off my one-eyed Bronco supporter glasses on, can't see him as top 20 material.

HOWEVER, an interesting "what-if" is how his career would've went on if he didn't have dodgy knees and hamstrings. If he kept his speed on top of his step and strength, he would've been a hell of a player...

A further what-if: He stays at fullback from 2006 onwards. His form at the back was very impressive.

 

[Bring back John Fifita]

Maybe it’s might come across as the “he was in my team”, but if Mark Gasnier hadn’t departed for France I’d suggest he’d have made the top 20.

Hodges was a great centre, as was Jamie Lyon and I’d have them even. But Gasnier was at least level with them, if not slightly ahead on my list. But admittedly I’d seen far more of his games than others.

Inglis has them all covered by the length of the straight though.

If there was a top 20 list of most devastating players in the NRL era he’d be number one on mine.

 

[Tommy Smith]

Maybe it’s might come across as the “he was in my team”, but if Mark Gasnier hadn’t departed for France I’d suggest he’d have made the top 20.

Hodges was a great centre, as was Jamie Lyon and I’d have them even. But Gasnier was at least level with them, if not slightly ahead on my list. But admittedly I’d seen far more of his games than others.

Inglis has them all covered by the length of the straight though.

If there was a top 20 list of most devastating players in the NRL era he’d be number one on mine.

I know what you're trying to say, but I guess it depends on how you define "devastating" with respect to a footy player.

For mine, when he was in his prime, Andrew Johns was easily the most devastating player.

Not so much in the sense that he might run the length of the field, palming off half a dozen players in the process like GI, but more so in his ability to dissect and destroy any opposition on any given day.

For example I remember in 2001 he came back from like a 6 week absence. The Knights had lost 4 in a row, with a 40 nil last start loss to the Eels. So Joey makes his comeback at home vs the Broncos and they win 44 nil.

That's an 84 point turnaround. Without him Parra beat them 40 nil and they couldn't win a game; but with him they win the comp and torch Parra 24 nil in the first half of the GF.

That to me is my definition of devastating. We have short memories in rugby league, but no player can touch Joey for his ability to single handedly devastate an opponent in his prime.

By my definition of devastating, I'd even have Cameron Smith and JT well ahead of GI. Even in his prime you could potentially shut down GI because he was never about high involvement; where as Smith & JT are just constantly coming at you. Death by a thousand paper cuts until fatigue kicks in and they finally rip you open.

 

[Big Pete]

I always felt that Hodgo's absolute prime was at the Roosters from mid 2002 - mid 2003 when he tore his ACL at Suncorp.

He was obviously a great player afterwards, but prior to his knee injury he possessed devastating power, footwork and acceleration to burst through the defensive line.

I felt like he lost a bit of that later on and made more of an impact through being such a great natural footy player - great instincts, decision making and offloading/passing to put his winger away.

Maybe later on but when he returned to the Broncos he was devastating.

Check out his stats for 2006

20 Games, 10 Tries, 20.8 Runs Avg, 223m Avg, 23 Line-Breaks, 49 Offloads.

Hodges was immense and when the Broncos placed all their emphasis out of dummy half with Hodges and Berrigan keeping the markers on their toes it gave them the impetus to win their most unlikely premiership.

 

[Bring back John Fifita]

I know what you're trying to say, but I guess it depends on how you define "devastating" with respect to a footy player.

For mine, when he was in his prime, Andrew Johns was easily the most devastating player.

Not so much in the sense that he might run the length of the field, palming off half a dozen players in the process like GI, but more so in his ability to dissect and destroy any opposition on any given day.

For example I remember in 2001 he came back from like a 6 week absence. The Knights had lost 4 in a row, with a 40 nil last start loss to the Eels. So Joey makes his comeback at home vs the Broncos and they win 44 nil.

That's an 84 point turnaround. Without him Parra beat them 40 nil and they couldn't win a game; but with him they win the comp and torch Parra 24 nil in the first half of the GF.

That to me is my definition of devastating. We have short memories in rugby league, but no player can touch Joey for his ability to single handedly devastate an opponent in his prime.

By my definition of devastating, I'd even have Cameron Smith and JT well ahead of GI. Even in his prime you could potentially shut down GI because he was never about high involvement; where as Smith & JT are just constantly coming at you. Death by a thousand paper cuts until fatigue kicks in and they finally rip you open.

Yeah I’ve considered my version of devastating...

The players on their own who could cut the defence to ribbons or steamroll over/through then with brute power. Or even simply smash blokes in defence.

They aren’t necessarily the best players, the best playmakers (like a Johns) or the most consistent...

Guys who (and I’m loathe to use this cliche but...) on their day were just brutal to the point of being close to unstoppable. >> Devastating. But on their own.

My basic list (incomplete..) I’ve thought of in order is..

Greg Inglis
Jarryd Hayne
Tony Williams
Jason Taumalolo
Semi Radradra
Gorden Tallis
Brad Fittler
Ruben Wiki
Benji Marshall
Anthony Mundine
Billy Slater
Willie Mason
Adrian Morley
Manu Vatuvei
Nathan Blacklock


Some of these are game greats. Some were hot and cold. But all were devastating on their own. If we are talking all-time, Meninga would be top of the tree.

Could be need for a different thread here to debate, contribute. Not as to hijack this one..

 

[Tommy Smith]

@Bring back John Fifita if you give that its own thread you'll just be spammed with shit posts and trolls saying that Scott Minto was the most devastating player ever.

You'll only get a few genuine suggestions, with genuinely worthy nominations like Brad Parker.

It's the LU way.

 

[Bring back John Fifita]

@Bring back John Fifita if you give that its own thread you'll just be spammed with shit posts and trolls saying that Scott Minto was the most devastating player ever.

You'll only get a few genuine suggestions, with genuinely worthy nominations like Brad Parker.

It's the LU way.

Tis true my good man... It goes with the territory.. sad Scott Minto jokes along with other simpleton humour.

I’ll also get;
“but Mundine was a wanker”...
“but Mason was a wanker”..
“but Vatuvei had hands like feet”
“but Williams was went missing..”

 

[Eelementary]

I get the way he ended his career probably discounts him but can anyone say Brett Stewart was a better player then Jarryd Hayne and keep a straight face?

Brett Stewart was an absolutely brilliant player, and because of his fitness, and great attitude, was a better fullback, imo.

And despite the fact Hayne never won a Premiership, he won 2 Dally M Player Of The Year by age 22...that's crazy...

 

[King hit]

I know what you're trying to say, but I guess it depends on how you define "devastating" with respect to a footy player.

For mine, when he was in his prime, Andrew Johns was easily the most devastating player.

Not so much in the sense that he might run the length of the field, palming off half a dozen players in the process like GI, but more so in his ability to dissect and destroy any opposition on any given day.

For example I remember in 2001 he came back from like a 6 week absence. The Knights had lost 4 in a row, with a 40 nil last start loss to the Eels. So Joey makes his comeback at home vs the Broncos and they win 44 nil.

That's an 84 point turnaround. Without him Parra beat them 40 nil and they couldn't win a game; but with him they win the comp and torch Parra 24 nil in the first half of the GF.

That to me is my definition of devastating. We have short memories in rugby league, but no player can touch Joey for his ability to single handedly devastate an opponent in his prime.

By my definition of devastating, I'd even have Cameron Smith and JT well ahead of GI. Even in his prime you could potentially shut down GI because he was never about high involvement; where as Smith & JT are just constantly coming at you. Death by a thousand paper cuts until fatigue kicks in and they finally rip you open.

What about 2005 as well. Newcastle lose their first 13 games then Johns returns and they win 8 straight games or something like that against finals teams. His influence on a team was amazing beyond extreme. Even in 2006 he was still inspiring the Knights to some great victories. I remember the qualifying final against Manly. The Sea Eagles have the Knights on the ropes at halftime but Johns carried them to victory on his back.

 

[Vic Mackey]

I know what you're trying to say, but I guess it depends on how you define "devastating" with respect to a footy player.

For mine, when he was in his prime, Andrew Johns was easily the most devastating player.

Not so much in the sense that he might run the length of the field, palming off half a dozen players in the process like GI, but more so in his ability to dissect and destroy any opposition on any given day.

For example I remember in 2001 he came back from like a 6 week absence. The Knights had lost 4 in a row, with a 40 nil last start loss to the Eels. So Joey makes his comeback at home vs the Broncos and they win 44 nil.

That's an 84 point turnaround. Without him Parra beat them 40 nil and they couldn't win a game; but with him they win the comp and torch Parra 24 nil in the first half of the GF.

That to me is my definition of devastating. We have short memories in rugby league, but no player can touch Joey for his ability to single handedly devastate an opponent in his prime.

By my definition of devastating, I'd even have Cameron Smith and JT well ahead of GI. Even in his prime you could potentially shut down GI because he was never about high involvement; where as Smith & JT are just constantly coming at you. Death by a thousand paper cuts until fatigue kicks in and they finally rip you open.

Anyone who watched the second Origin Game in 2005 wouldn’t doubt the pure brilliance of Johns. He’d played 9 matches in 2 years, missed the last 6 weeks and came in after Trent Barrett and Matt Orford were ruled out with NSW down 1-0.

He then produced what was probably the most dominant 80 minutes from a Number 7 in Origin history.

Fatty even said it was better then anything Wally ever produced at Origin level. I was simply in awe of him that night

 

[Reflector]

What about 2005 as well. Newcastle lose their first 13 games then Johns returns and they win 8 straight games or something like that against finals teams. His influence on a team was amazing beyond extreme. Even in 2006 he was still inspiring the Knights to some great victories. I remember the qualifying final against Manly. The Sea Eagles have the Knights on the ropes at halftime but Johns carried them to victory on his back.

From what I remember, a few of those 13 consecutive losses included Joey in the team. Game 2 of the Origin series was what kickstarted his season.

 

[mozza91]

From what I remember, a few of those 13 consecutive losses included Joey in the team. Game 2 of the Origin series was what kickstarted his season.

Yeah he played the first 5 rounds and broke his jaw. He was terrible in those games too after tearing his ACL the year before.
It makes what he did in Origin even more special.

That’s what sets him apart from Smith, Thurston and even Lockyer. He dominated games at such a level and was so influential that when he wasn’t there the teams he was part of were rudderless and a shell of what they were when he was playing. We had some great players at the Knights and we could barely win a game when he was out.

Even now we haven’t gone close to making the Top 4 since he retired and the Blues didn’t win a series for 9 years after he finished up.

 

[TheDalek079]

Just watched that 2005 Origin. Sure Joey was good, but I think that performance was overrated. King, Gasnier and Wing were just as good as him that evening. It was a complete team performance by NSW but since Joey hadn't played much that year everybody just wanked over him

 

[Big Pete]

That’s what sets him apart from Smith, Thurston and even Lockyer. He dominated games at such a level and was so influential that when he wasn’t there the teams he was part of were rudderless and a shell of what they were when he was playing.

That's a narrative that gets past around, but Brisbane were just as exposed without Lockyer. We've never really seen how Melbourne play without Smith, but when he has been missing it's been ugly. Considering the turn-over they've had in recent years, to win the minor premiership last year was an incredible feat and Smith was at the forefront of that. Queensland desperately miss him as well.

It makes for a nice story, like saying Hayne single-handidly won the 2014 series, but whenever you look at these teams it usually comes down to a combination of injuries and the fact that marquee talent can't be replaced.