Skill wise, in the last decade, Matt King shat all over Matt Sing in every possible way.
Israel Folau was better than El Masri, Tate, Sing and King.
His omission is the most ridiculous, especially given they made room for Fittler and Menzies who's best years were way behind them.
Ben Kennedy and Gorden Tallis are really hard done by in that team of the decade.
Nathan Hindmarsh was no better than average all decade yet he makes both teams, I honestly can't understand how people think this overrated hack is actually a good player. It's, quite frankly, astounding.
Oh and did I just see Timmah say Luke Patten was one of the best fullbacks of his time?
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Off the top of my head....
Darren Lockyer
Anthony Minichiello
Billy Slater
Clinton Schifcofske
Brett Hodgson
Brent Webb
Matt Bowen
David Peachey
Karmichael Hunt
Rhys Wesser
Jarryd Hayne
Brett Mullins
Robbie Ross
Josh Dugan
Wade McKinnon
Luke Burt
are all better fullbacks than Patten. And that's just off the top of my head.
Knew I'd forgotten someone. Yep, add him to the list.
Interesting to note that there's not been much mention (if any) of Cameron Smith being in the side over Buderus... I would have thought there would have been dozens of Knights supporters everywhere complaining about this.
As most of you will know the yearly edition of Rugby League Annual is readily available at your local newsagents and like always is filled with a number of interesting sections that will catch the attention of a number of readers.
This year's edition includes the RLA team of the decade as selected by past greats such as Steve Renouf, Greg Alexander and Paul Vautin. The side shapes up as this...
1. Billy Slater (Melbourne 2003-09)
2. Brent Tate (Brisbane 2001-07, Warriors 2008-09)
3. Greg Inglis (Melbourne 2005-09)
4. Mark Gasnier (St. George Illawarra 2000-08)
5. Hazem El Masri (Bulldogs 2000-09)
6. Darren Lockyer (Brisbane 2000-09)
7. Andrew Johns (Newcastle 2000-07)
8. Petero Civoniceiva (Brisbane 2000-07, Penrith 2008-09)
9. Cameron Smith (Melbourne 2002-09)
10. Shane Webcke (Brisbane 2000-06)
11. Steve Menzies (Northern Eagles 2000-02, Manly 2003-08)
12. Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta 2000-09)
13. Brad Fittler (Sydney 2000-04)
Honestly I'm surprised by a number of selections with the side namely the choices on the wing and in the backrow but I can see their point of view. What I'm interested in hearing is what are your thoughts of this side? Is it good? Have the panelists named the best 13 of the decade?
The yearly side was another section that caught my eye.
1. Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
2. Brett Morris (St. George Illawarra Dragons)
3. Greg Inglis (Melbourne Storm)
4. Justin Hodges (Brisbane Broncos)
5. Taniela Tuiaki (West Tigers)
6. Jamie Soward (St. George Illawarra Dragons)
7. Jonathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
8. Ben Hannant (Bulldogs)
9. Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
10. Fui Fui Moi Moi (Parramatta Eels)
11. Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels)
12. Anthony Watmough (Manly Sea Eagles)
13. Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks)
I believe the most surprising inclusions in that side named would have to be Hodges and Hindmarsh. I can personally vouch for Hodges, I thought his form especially in the back third of the season cemented his place in the side.
On the other hand, while I can't discount his leadership on the field and his influence on his team I didn't think Hindmarsh put forward THAT great a performance this year and he definately had some players ahead of him, especially Ben Creagh who I guess became a victim of the Dragons poor exit in 09.
Lol sausageFittler played 0 games at lock in the 00's.
El Masri one of the top 2 wingers after playing 2 rep games.
What a joke of a team really. Where's the kiwis at? RACISM.
People who are 15 years late are sausages.Lol sausage