Which is the Greater Achievement?

[veggiepatch1959]

This has most probably been done before but since it's SOO time, I'll ask the question.

What would the top NRL players consider being their career highlight?

Winning an NRL premiership or winning a State of Origin series?

I'd say winning a premiership handsdown.

Why? Well after 26 games of the regular season, then a handful of finals games to get to the Grand Final, it's a tougher road to get there rather than winning a best of three series in the middle of the year.

The Grand Final has been a part of NSW Rugby League (then the NRL) since 1926 (or 1954 - depends which way you look at it) and is the epitome of tradition of the game. Winning the Grand Final is the ultimate prize for your efforts.

Comments?

 

[Canard]

This has most probably been done before but since it's SOO time, I'll ask the question.

What would the top NRL players consider being their career highlight?

Winning an NRL premiership or winning a State of Origin series?

I'd say winning a premiership handsdown.

Why? Well after 26 games of the regular season, then a handful of finals games to get to the Grand Final, it's a tougher road to get there rather than winning a best of three series in the middle of the year.

The Grand Final has been a part of NSW Rugby League (then the NRL) since 1926 (or 1954 - depends which way you look at it) and is the epitome of tradition of the game. Winning the Grand Final is the ultimate prize for your efforts.

Comments?

I don't understand why people try to equate them though, they are different competitions. Shit you could even argue that they are played under different rules.

A club grand final win appeals to the % of people who support the club, where as Origin and internationals are a time for supporters of all clubs to unite.

 

[BennyV]

*Waits patiently for QLDerps to chime in about lack of passion*

 

[God-King Dean]

There's no greater honour than receiving your City/Country jersey.

 

[Bulldog Force]

Grand Final hands down.

 

[Usain Bolt]

Winning the 9's

 

[Nugget10]

If I was playing First Grade the greatest acheivement would be a Kangaroos jersey. Players player at the end of year presentation would be a massive honour as well

 

[Danish]

Ask Nathan Hindmarsh how many of his blues series wins he'd trade in to win the 2001 Grand final and find out...

 

[BunniesMan]

It depends on the individual. For me it's not even close, grand final is more important every day of the week. But for others might think differently. I've heard Gallen say he'll be shattered if he never wins an Origin while a club premiership is not as important.

 

[POPEYE]

The greatest achievement is to become a first choice player no matter what theatre they play in . . . more than compensates for 'shit happens'

 

[POPEYE]

Ask Nathan Hindmarsh how many of his blues series wins he'd trade in to win the 2001 Grand final and find out...

Ask him if he'd trade them all

 

[Canard]

It depends on the individual. For me it's not even close, grand final is more important every day of the week. But for others might think differently. I've heard Gallen say he'll be shattered if he never wins an Origin while a club premiership is not as important.

Gallen would have never said that, neither would any player ever.

 

[Mr Angry]

Neither.

Any Australian player wants a premiership, SoO and Aus jersey.

Any kiwi or Pom, wants a premiership and a win against Australia.

Andrew Ettingshausen

300+ games
NSW origin winner
Automatic select for Australia

Never played in a team good enough to win the title.

Is he a failure, of course not.

A premiership is a team result, SoO and international honors are individual rewards.

Many a premiership winner who never play SoO or for country.

So I say neither, both are great honors, and if your lucky enough to play in a strong team you may get all of them.

 

[Twatface Magee]

Going 4 decades without a Premiership is an even greater achievement

 

[Mr Angry]

Going 4 decades without a Premiership is an even greater achievement

I think Norths hold that record.

 

[The Enforcer]

Surely a premiership is the ultimate for a player with months of pre season training followed by 20 odd rounds of training and football followed by finals and ultimately a grand final.

 

[Glen]

You only have to look at the players celebrating a GF win compared to celebrating an Origin win to know that a premiership is by far the most valued.

Jealous AFL types love to suggest that this is why they don't play Origin - because their club comp is the pinnacle. The NRL proves that both can be important

 

[eozsmiles]

Winning a premiership is damn hard. It could take 2-3 years for a team to build itself up to that level and then you need a really good season to achieve the prize. Injured players are harder to replace than in rep teams, coaches have to get the best out of 30+ players for 12 months, and the good players have to carry weak players.

SOO and tests are different because being selected to compete is part of the prize. It is an achievement just to be on the field, so even if you lose it is still a great thing. It's probably harder to make a rep team than it is to win a rep game.

 

[Mr Angry]

Would Shane Perry give up his premiership ring , to have been good enough to play 30 origins and 30 tests.

Would Andrew Ettingshausen, give up his SoO experiences and roo tours for a ring?

Like I say Neither!

The true lucky ones, the likes of Lockyer, Beetson, Gasiner, Kenny and Miles many more, are lucky enough to play teams that win the lot and are also good enough to win selection.

 

[Jason Maher]

An Origin win is something special, but a Premiership is extra special. It's the fact you have to conquer 15 other teams, not just one. I'm sure Wayne Pearce would have traded the 86 clean sweep for a Premiership in 88 or 89.