For over a hundred years the great game of Rugby League has been played.
Over this time there have been very many players that have graced the playing fields from Leichhardt to Lidcombe from Brookvale to Brisbane anywhere, everywhere far and wide.
The NRL as known today started out as a Sydney Competition to evolving through to its current iteration. I have followed the game since the late 1970's. In a time where coat hangers and punches were the norm.
Today's game is a more family-friendly TV game. One constant throughout time is the skilled players and hard men who have risen above the rest. Some have been immortalised, some just fan favourites.
I'd like to know who is in your best team, 1 to 17.
Players that have thrilled you over the years. Players you think are the greatest of all time or just your favourites of all time. They might have been skilled or just a character of the game.
1. Billy Slater
I have never seen a more complete package at fullback in my time.
2. Eric Grothe Sr
The guru was such an awesome unstoppable beast in the early 80's.
3. Mal Meninga
Such a big centre almost the prototype for the modern game.
4. Brad Fittler
Just a winner. Had the best sidestep. Did so much as a teenager, just brilliant to watch.
5. Semi Radradra
I hope Semi comes back! He was just so great to watch him steamroll his opposition.
6. Brett Kenny
Loved to watch Bert play. Just a natural.
7. Peter Sterling
The best on-field General I have seen play. Just such a high football IQ.
8. Glenn Lazarus
For a big man, he had an engine on him. Won so many Premierships. A winner!
9. Benny Elias
I loved to hate Benny but was the best hooker of his time.
10. Steve Roach
Blocker was a nut case but one hell of a player. Tough man.
11. Trevor Gillmeister
The axe was one of the best defensive players I have seen. A bit of a character in a time of characters.
12. Mark Geyer
Another player you just never knew what you would get! Was a skilled hard man.
13. Brad Clyde
Non-stop worker. The best back rower of his generation.
14. Cliff Lyons
Another player I loved to hate but was such a genius ball player.
15. Wally Lewis
The King! Boo! What a player. Once he pulled on a QLD jersey was unstoppable.
16. Paul Sironen
Big Siro was a giant in the 90's he would just be another forward in today's game. Was a hard man to bring down in his day.
17. Sam Backo
OK, not really in the class of the players listed but was a colourful character! Interviews were interesting.
Special mention to Phil Blake, Greg Alexander, the late great Scott Gale, Benji Marshall, Rambo Ronnie Gibbs and Ian Schubert I just couldn't fit you in!
So that's mine! Tell me your best 17.