Supercoach-
I have a few reservations about your criteria.
You talk about the worst players of the last decade and this is inclusive of the 1996-7 super league years. I only have to scroll through the scrapbook from this time and scratch the underbelly of mediocrity to expose some truly horrendous figures:
craig patch, Mick Doreen, Tiaan Strauss, David Bouveng, Vince Fawcett, Fili Seru, Willie Morganson, siegfried sassoon, Bruce Mamando, Lee Oudenryn, Des Clarke, Shane Kenward, Andrew Hunter, Dean Moon, Eammon Edgar, Darrien Doherty, Tristan Brady-Smith and Mark Crovo.
Rugby league talent was diluted by the influx of expansion sides and there were a pool of sh*tty players who were befouling the standard of play; these were the guys who looked fitting playing in predominantly sponsor-less jerseys before meagre crowds at Penrith Park or Antigua Recreational Ground.
To illustrate the chasm that existed in rugby league talent I raise the example of when it was proposed that the ARL would admit a further side, the Dandenong Swamp Rats and people were speculating Dale Fritz as a possible captain. Greg Boruke was also considered for the goal kicking with his 48% success rate.
Since teh number of teams have been culled (barring the Souths exception) the slew of average players has been marginalised greatly. Nowadays, a below-average player can be exposed with ease and becomes the centre of ridicule for opposition fans.
To compare a dud from the last 5 years to the 5 years that preceded that would be more pertinent. I propose that Neil Whittaker inaugurate a Resches Dinner Ale cup to be contested by a composite team of duds from 1995-2000 and an equivalent team from the 2000-2005. All the other rules that you mentioned should stand.
I will begin to formulate my sides.
The 2000-2005 side will be led by Tweadle Don/ Tweadle Dumb. No other positions have been confirmed although I sense that Paul Khory (Easts) is favourite for the halfback position and Hayes Lauder (Tigers) should snare a bench spot.
