Back
Most of the great teams in the modern era have had a great half in their team: Langer (92,93,97,98 ), Stuart (89,90,94), Johns (97,01), this is the reason why I vote little Matty Orford as the player I would most want today looking at the backline.
Matt Orford - Orford is only 26 and entering his prime, IMO, he is the best thing outside a fit Andrew Johns and Craig Gower in the 7 jersey. With Johns still to answer many questions upon his return, and Gower himself one who can pick up an injury, Orford may just be a rep player next season. He plays in the Langer mould, he makes plays happen through individual brilliance and works brilliantly with five-eight Scott Hill. Put him inside one Darren Lockyer taking a lot of the defensive focus off Lockyer, we would have one of the great halves pairings if this was to ever eventuate. He is easily my 'fantasy' buy.
Forward
Given I am a Bronco fan who remains very happy with the juniors coming though in the forwards (Thaiday, Learoyd, Stagg, Wyatt etc), I found myself looking for an 80 minute player, someone to replace the great Tallis with the same leadership qualities. I could not go past the guy I have nominated.
Craig Fitzgibbon - With Nathan Hindmarsh, this guy is the best forward in the game IMO and got the nod over Hindmarsh as he can score you a bucket load of points who is a more than capable replacement for the UK bound Mick Devere. A workhorse, a gamebreaker...Fitzgibbon is just an awesome talent who inspires those around him ala' Gordan Tallis (look at Origin series for evidence).
