General Wrighty's offseason competition 2020 rankings

[wizards rage]

Wrighty's offseason game has now closed and we have 10 dream teams, all with their own style.

Here is everyone's chance to look over the teams, vote for your favourite and give some comments or feedback. Voting is open to everyone on the site. Players, please don't vote for your own team!

Thanks everyone for playing and thanks to wrighty for organising!

 

[wizards rage]

Bring me the horizons team

1 - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2 - Hazem El Masri
3 - Jamie Lyon
4 - Steve Renouf
5 - Ken Maumalo
6 - Darren Lockyer
7 - Stacey Jones
8 - Josh Papalii
9 - Robbie Farah
10 - James Fisher Harris
11 - John Bateman
12 - Simon Mannering
13 - Hugh McGahan

Coach - 2004 Bluey McLennan
Ground - North Harbour Stadium

 

[wizards rage]

Chch fanatics

1 Billy Slater
2 Jason Robinson
3 Dennis Williams
4 Gary Schofield
5 Martin Offiah
6 Brett Kenny
7 Ricky Stuart
8 Petero Civoniceva
9 Josh Hodgson
10 Jamie Peacock
11 Anthony Watmough
12 Matt Gillet
13 Sean Oloughlin

Home Ground Wainoni park
Coach Frank Endacott

Billy Slater the greatest fullback to ever play the game. Has won the Dally M and golden boot once , Clive Churchill and Wally Lewis medals twice. Has played 318 games for Storm 31 for Queensland 30 for Australia and scored 229 tries. Also gifted NZ a World Cup in 2008

Jason Robinson
Arguably the greatest cross code player we have ever seen. Played 302 times for the cherry and whites of Wigan scoring 137 tries. After switching to rugby was capped 51 times for England and 5 for the British lions.

Dennis Williams
Still to this day is NZs youngest ever international. A phenomenal talent from an early age. Played 31 matches for the kiwis

Gary Schofield
Played a staggering 457 club games in England and Australia scoring 289 tries. Was capped 49 times for Great Britain scoring 32 tries. One of his greatest games was against the kiwis in 1985 where he scored 4 tries in the second test win.

Martin Offiah
Quite possibly the greatest winger the game has ever seen. Scored a ridiculous 444 tries in 424 club games including a world record 10 in a game. Was capped 38 times for Great Britain scoring 34 tries.

Brett Kenny
One of the greatest players of the 80s As brilliant as Peter Sterling was Kenny was the catalyst behind Parramatta’s dominance of the 80s. His silky skills and deceptive speed were his greatest assets. Won the Clive Churchill medal twice and in 1985 won the lance todd trophy and golden boot. Played 265 times for his beloved eels scoring 110 tries

Ricky Stuart
The mercurial raiders halfback with the longest spiral pass around. Played 243 first grade games and represented both nsw and Australia. Has won the Clive Churchill and dally m medals.

Petero Civoniceva
Played 309 NRL games and 85 representative games. A true warrior on the field who was hardly ever beaten.

Josh Hodgson
31yr old from the tough school of hookers. Has so far played 253 games of first grade and 24 games for his country.

Jamie Peacock
487 games as a prop in super league. A great achievement from the kid from Bramley. Also represented his country on 47 occasions.

Anthony Watmough
The much maligned back rower was as tough as they come. Played 303 nrl games and also played for nsw and Australia.

Matt Gillet
Injuries have ended his career , but what a talent he was. 202 career games but should’ve been many more. A fabulous hole running back rower.

Sean O'loughlin
His 18 yr Wigan career has finally ended after 452 games. Also played 36 times for his country. A great loose forward or stand-off who would’ve easily adapted to the nrl if he choose to.

I’ve chosen Wainoni park or Hamshire st park as it’s also known. Many a talent has come from the Eastern Suburbs home ground.

And what a coach to lead such a great team as Happy Frank

 

[wizards rage]

Defences - The badmudafarkers.

1 - Greg Inglis
2 - Blake Ferguson
3 - Gene Miles
4 - Mark McGaw
5 - Brett Morris
6 - Braith Anasta
7 - Allan Langer
8 - Glen Lazarus
9 - Steve Walters
10 - Andrew Fafita
11 - mark graham (C)
12 - Mark geyer
13 - Tawera Nikau

Coach: Gerard Stokes
Home ground: Addington Showgrounds

Well it all starts up front folks.. before the game started I gave myself 2 golden rules- golden rule #1- sign the best prop.
Who was the cornerstone of the great Canberra sides? Who did the Broncos turn to in a desperate bid for their first premiership? Who did the Melbourne storm build their dynasty on the back of? The answer to all these questions more... Glen Lazarus.
The brick with eyes delivered everywhere he went and 5 premierships at 3 clubs says it all.
Teamed up in the front row with the human wrecking ball that is Andrew Fafita- a unique talent- who else could’ve scored that try to deliver cronulla their first ever premiership?
Steve Walters packing down between them- greatest hooker of the 90s without question.
Offloads for days in the backrow!
Origin legend Geyer, teamed up with nz player of the century and captain Mark Graham. Tawera Nikau rounds it out- how he didn’t win the 99 Clive Churchill is one of footballs great mysteries.
Nice balance in the halves.
Golden rule #2- Sign a top 5 halfback.
I used to hate Alfie- the ball always bounced his way- what a tin ass I thought but after years of that I had to admit it was no fluke- he just had incredible vision and the skill to take advantage of it.
As Wayne Bennett said “there will only ever be one allan langer.
Anasta provides a great foil- a big body, with skill and a huge boot.
The centers are colossal- Mark “sparkles “ McGaw (aka hammer) and Gene Miles- named by meninga as his toughest ever opponent, miles could hold his opposite center off with one hand while offloading over the wingers head with the other.
The back three have scored an incredible 431 tries between them with the jewel in the crown being the multi premiership, golden boot, dally m and Clive Churchill winning (he also holds the record for tries in origin) Greg Inglis.

Someone mentioned during the game that I like a certain style of player and it’s true- big, aggressive and skillful- I like footballers not robots- guys who have something u can’t coach- guys who u would not want to play against.
I think that sums this side up perfectly.

 

[wizards rage]

Brownstone’s addicts:

1. Anthony Minichiello
2. Rod Wishart
3. Peter Jackson
4. Ellery Hanley
5. Matt Sing
6. Brad Fittler
7. Peter Sterling
8. Steve Roach
9. Benny Elias
10. Craig Young
11. Gordon Tallis
12. Stephen Kearney
13. Bradley Clyde

Coach: Philip Ronald Gould
Home ground: Grey Lynn Park

At the back for the Addicts is one of the hardest running players ever - 2004 Dally M fullback, 2005 Golden Boot winner, Roosters fullback of the century, 3rd highest running metres in NRL history and one of the "four toey humans in the cab ready to spurt sauce" on the infamous NSW origin bonding session - the Count had it all.

On the wings are Illawarra's favourite son and record holder for most points scored on a Kangaroo tour, Rod 'Rocket' Wishart, and Steve Renouf's more talented and faster twin brother and 8th highest try scorer in NRL history, Matt Sing. These boys could find the white line quicker than Matty Seers on a bender.

The centre pairing oozes class. Jacko goes down as one of the most multi-talented players in history, forging out an incredibly successful league career while at the same time running a cigarette empire, a mens apparel retail chain and winning multiple Oscars. Like many geniuses, the late great Jacko's flame tragically flickered and died far too young. Partnering Jacko is league royalty and the finest player to ever represent Great Britain, Ellery 'Black Pearl' Hanley. 36 tests across multiple positions, the Pearl's influence is perhaps best outlined in the 1988 grand final - when Hanley was knocked out by a premeditated attack from Terry Baa Lamb, so to were Balmain's chances of victory.

The only reason the Addicts halves pairing aren't immortals yet is because they have been deemed too good for immortal status. Freddy Fittler represented Australia and NSW at 18, at the time the youngest player ever to do so, led his State and Country with much success, won Golden Boots and multiple premierships. Freddie could do it all in his sleep, once even finding his way to a Sydney police station in a paralytic state following a massive bender. Organising the Addicts at halfback is the undisputed second best player from the 1980's and the Genghis Khan of rugby league, Peter Sterling. While Sterlo's abilities on the field are well known, his prowess off it is only spoken in whispers - a little known fact is that he sired both Cooper Cronk and Jonathan Thurston amidst a mad rooting spree that extended from late in his playing career through to the early 2000's.

Continuing the 'best of the 80's' theme, there were none better at prop during that decade than Craig 'Fat Albert' Young and Steve 'Blocker' Roach. Big, skillful and highly intelligent, these NRL Hall of Famers set the platform for all the brilliance around them to excel. Between these two juggernauts is the NRL's number one capitalist Backdoor Benny Elias. Benny is widely renowned as the godfather of modern-day hooking, transforming the role into what we see today. When he's not counting his millions, Benny often likes to reflect on just how damn good he was.

Rounding out the Addicts is a superstar back row consisting of multiple Clive Churchill medalist Bradley Clyde, 45 test veteran and pile driver specialist Stephen Kearney and the most intimidating forward ever to lace up a boot, Gordon 'Raging Bull' Tallis. Not only were these boys legends on the field, however Kearney went on to have a highly successful career as an NRL head coach and motivational speaker, while Tallis taught Cameron Smith everything there is to know in the fine art of communicating with refs.

With the Addicts, what you get is what you see.

 

[wizards rage]

Hardyman’s Yugo’s team:

1 - Greg Brentnall
2 - Brian Carney
3 - Kevin Iro
4 - Steve Rogers
5 - Ryan Hall
6 - Wally Lewis
7 - Gary Freeman
8 - Joe Vagana
9 - James Roby
10 - Adrian Morley
11 - Mike Gregory
12 - Frank Pritchard
13 - Andy Farrell

Coach - James (Jim) Wasdale Brough
Stadium - Hardyman Fields

 

[wizards rage]

Naumai footy's - SOUTH SIDE STALLIONS

1 - Shaun Johnson
2 - Joseph Manu
3 - Jarryd Hayne
4 - Israel Folau
5 - Jharal Yow Yeh
6 - Kieron Foran
7 - Jonathan Thurston (c)
8 - Jason Stevens
9 - Ben Hunt
10 - Mark O'Meley
11 - Nathan Hindmarsh
12 - Steve Simpson
13 - Willie Mason

Home Ground - Forsyth Barr Stadium
Coach - Craig Bellamy

THE PACK
The Plan is simple run hard and tackle harder and up front starts with two no nonsense Aggressive(grubs) front rowers who wont take a backwards step to no one in former test and origin stars Jason Stevens and the ogre himself Mark O'Meley who both at times during their careers were considered the best in their positions.
In the backrow hard running hard hitting and hard working is the theme with former newcastle knight steve simpson running courage lines allday off the shoulders of our halves who are two of the best exponents of taking the ball to the line. On the other side Nathan Hindmarsh one of the hardest working second rowers of all time think try savers, 50+ tackles a game, chase downs you name it hindy does it all.
At lock forward the leader of the pack former clive churchill medallist blues and kangaroos star Willie Mason big strong intimidating big motor to match his big mouth not shy to throw hands aswell.

THE BACKS
Game breakers everywhere.
On the flanks two young superstars
On one wing one of the superstars of todays game NZ test star Joey Manu blessed with size, speed, footwork and not to mention tentacles for arms so scoring in the corner shouldnt be a problem. On the other side former bronco, Moron and kangaroo Jharal YowYeh Athletic fast and strong one of the most complete wingers to play the modern game.
In the centers well the names say it all.
Jarryd Hayne and Israel Folau two all time generational talents who can do it all on the footy field and have done it all. Nuff said.

THE SPINE
At hooker Morons and kangaroos star Ben Hunt. With less responsibility and not having to run the team in the halves frees him up to play his best position and play whats in front of him should run riot behind a big pack.
At halfback possibly the greatest to ever do it. 4x Dally M Player of the year, 4x Dally M Halfback of the year, 3x Dally M 5/8 of the year, 3x Golden Boot, Wally lewis medal winner, 4x RLPA player of the year, 2xProven summons medal winner, clive churchill medal, All time origin points scorer, indigenous halback of the century. The list says it all as the former Cowboys, Morons, Kangaroos, and indigenous legend Jonathan Thurston will lead the team at halfback and as captain. His pin point passing and accurate kicking will pull apart any defence he comes up against he will also set the standard with how he competes.
Stand off. Manly and NZ test star Kieron Foran will compliment JT well with his ball playing and kicking game. Toughness and leadership will also help and his willingness to play at the line will free up space for those around him. Fullback. At the back one of the more controversial and head scratching decisions i had to make but one i think will be a game changer. Warriors, Sharks, and NZ superstar Shaun Johnson. Blessed with speed and agilty that is not matched by many and also probably the best side step to grace a footy field(toss up between him and reemus gentles). His vision, instincts and elite ball playing should create havoc on sweeping plays and tiring middle defenders will have nightmares dealing with him around the ruck. The extra time and space allowed at fullback will put fear into the best defenders. The reason for playing him at fullback is the same as ben hunt at hooker. to free him up without the responsibility of having to run the team and to just play whats in front of him and most of all to RUN.

THE COACH
Craig Bellamy. Best coach of modern era hands down. Sets the standard wont tolerate nothing but consistant excellence. And most of all will get the best out of every player.

HOMEGROUND
Forsyth Barr Stadium. Under the roof should suit our players to a tee. Fast open footy.

 

[wizards rage]

Off the bench - Christ Church killer doves

1 Kevin Locke
2 J Morris
3 Mal Meninga - Co captain
4 Steve Matai
5 Francis Meli
6 Todd Carney
7 Jonathan Davies

8 Jordan McClean
9 Cameron Smith - Co captain an assistant reff
10 Ben Matalino
11 Brad Thorn
12 Jarrod Mc Crackon
13 Bryce Cordiner

New World carpark is our home ground cause we keeping it real - Thug life M..F ers
Coach is Bluey Cause these boys will score more points than your team will .

Good luck running through my centers .No really .good luck .
Both centers are powerful runners with good ball distribution.an excellent vision
An with big Mal we have the most respected captains of all time .
Two great wingers outside them .With a speed acceleration intelligence an strength .
An bringing the razzle an the dazzle from fullback the attacking weapon that is Kevin Locke .

We have a tough working forward pack led by the greatest Captain in league history. Good luck getting a reffing desicion . Going your way cause it ain't going to happen .Not one .
The halves Todd Carney will he will be taking it to the line
An asking real questions of any defence .
An a class act with ball distribution an vision an a kicking game it's the complete
Package that is Jonathan Davis.
All in all we have gone for a fast powerful team with cunning an on-field leadership

 

[wizards rage]

Pullin teeth

1. Lance Hohaia
2. Wendell Sailor
3. Justin Hodges
4 James Leuleui
5. Eric Grothe Snr
6. Cam Munster
7. Andrew John's
8. James Graham
9. Brandon Smith
10. Jessie Bromwich
11. Ali Lauiti'iti
12. SBW
13. Sam Burgess

Home ground: Palmy North Showgrounds.
Coach: Graham Lowe.

 

[wizards rage]

The Wellington Warriors

1 - Brett Mullins
2 - Andrew Ettinghausen
3 - Mark Gasnier
4 - Matt Cooper
5 - Lesley Vainikolo
6 - James Maloney
7 - Steve Mortimer (c)
8 - Brent Kite
9 - Danny Buderus
10 - Mark Broadhurst
11 - Trevor Gillmeister
12 - Luke Lewis
13 - Bob Lindner

Coach: Jack Gibson
Home Ground: Porirua Park, Wellington

The backline has speed to burn with a fullback labelled as “one of the most exciting attacking weapons in rugby league” and an NRL hall of fame winger known as ET on one side, and a duo code international with the nickname the ‘Volcano’ on the other!!

The express pace will be well served by a premiership winning, State of Origin centre combination headlined by the Daly M centre of the year for 2005 Mark Gasnier.

The halves pairing sees a multiple grand final winning stand off teaming up with the team captain, also a multiple grand final winning legend.

The forward pack is led by a NZ legend of league, alongside a 313 match Clive Churchill premiership winning prop, with a 339 match Daly M medal and premiership winning hooker that make up the front row.

The second row is made up of a multiple premiership winning, 22 game state of origin legend known as The Axe to fans of the game because of his punishing tackles, and a 16 cap Australian international who also played representative football as a winger, centre, lock and second row, and won first grade Man of the Match awards as a centre, lock, second row, five-eighth and halfback. Locking the team is a 22 cap Australian international who is one of a handful of players to be named man of the match in State of Origin football more than once.

Wellington Warriors are coached by the original ‘Supercoach’ widely considered one the greatest coaches in the sports history!!

 

[wizards rage]

Wizards Warriors

1 - Mathew Ridge - Dally M fullback 1995; Proven match winner (71% win record over 7 years at Manly). 80.22% kicking.
2 – Tony ‘T Rex’ Williams - wrecking ball
3 - Dean Bell (c) - man of steel 1992 - 7 x challenge cup winner including 3 as captain - proven winner. 360 first grade games
4 - Nigel Vagana - Dally M centre 2001, 02
5 – Manu ‘the beast’ Vatuvei - international winger of the year 2008; 152 tries
6 - Benji Marshall - Dally m five eights 2011, golden boot 2010; 324 nrl games
7 - Cooper Cronk - Daly M half 2006, 11, 12, 13, 16, Daly M overall player 2013, 16. A proven winner (70.97% win ratio); 372 nrl games
8 - Rubin Wiki - 55 tests (18 as captain) for NZ ; 311 nrl games
9 - Isaac ‘bully’ luke - international hooker of the year 2013
10 – Ian roberts - Dally M prop 1987, 93, 94
11- Sam Thaiday - Dally M second rower 2010,11; 304 games
12- Steven ‘beaver’ Menzies - 4 time Dally award winner 1994, 95, 98, 2002 - Australian hall of fame. 180nrl tries - Menzies is a noted defender, but is best known as the most prolific try scoring forward in rugby league.
13 - Jason Taumalolo - Dally M lock 2015, 16, 18, over all Dally M 2016

Coach - W Bennett - super coach
Home Ground - Rotorua international stadium

Wizards Warriors - Beauty and the beast

The beast, T-Rex, bully - there’s a reason for those nicknames. Add in Taumalolo, Thaiday, Roberts - and a third of your team are 112kgs+ monsters - 10-30kgs over there opposition in some cases. Big men always beat little men. And defence! All these guys are power runners and all can put a defensive hit on. Wikis right shoulder, bully‘s ‘smash em bro’ attitude and Ridge at the back, putting his body on the line like no one before or since.

And the Beauty... while it’s a team of big men it’s also a team of ball players. Taumalolo - offloading freak. Vagana and Bell, elite and skilful centres. Menzies - try a scoring freak. And the halves. Copper Cronk - 5 times Dally M half and a proven winner (70.97% win ratio) not fully appreciated because he made those around him look better, beating them through structure, consistency and with the brains to pick the opposition apart. Meanwhile Benji Marshall’s blistering speed, deceptive step and uncanny ball skills will just carve the best defenders apart. Ridge with an 81% kicking average puts the ball over from everywhere.

Beauty and the beast

Attack and defence:
A typical set will be Manu or T-Rex smashing it up with the first carry; Roberts, Wiki, Taumalolo or Thaiday carrying on the carnage with perhaps a sniping run from Luke. Then Cronk takes over and has a field day with any of the big men (Manu, Taumalolo, T-Rex, Roberts, Thaiday or Wiki) hitting holes - that’s half the team and options across the field!

Simply put. Carnage. Make no mistake, Cronk is perfect with this cattle at his disposal.

If we can’t smash through, the plays get set up for any of Menzies (0.48), Vagana (0.58), Manu (0.59) as 3 of the all time greatest try scorers in the game to find a way through. Unbelievable attacking stats. Benji will be in has element later in the game as the defence is pulverised by our massive ball runners and weaves his magic. Bennett will have the game plan set and make sure it’s implemented. Quite simply I believe our attack is the best statistically and even more effective due to the combinations. 502 tries in the backs; a record 180 tries just to beaver.

Defensive structure of the backs: Bell and Vagana are elite defensive centres. Footy brains. Graham Lowe rates Bell as the best centre ever and Vagana is a multiple Dally M centre of the year. They can cover for ‘the beast’ and ‘T-Rex’ who can be slow to turn - Slow turners but if either of those two line you up, you won’t be running at them again in a hurry! If the opposition gets through, Ridge is a defensive legend who always puts his body on the line. Passion and belief personified. One of the best defensive fullbacks ever. The forwards - Roberts, Wiki, Thaiday, Menzies, Taumalolo and Luke are all noted defenders. No gaps here.

So there you have it - the best attacking team based on statistics, who would be even better due to the combinations and game plan - The sum is even greater than the parts. Defensively we have a team of noted defenders in the forward pack and the giant wingers are covered by elite defensive centres and fullback. There is just no way through. The opposition will struggle to score and we will massively outscore you!

24 Dally M’s. 6 x 300+ game players. 5 x NZ captains. Winners. Beauty and the beast. Wizards Warriors

 

[wizards rage]

My feedback on the teams:

Bringmethehorizon - Love the spine - is it the best in the comp? Backs are probably stronger than the forwards who are solid workhorses. Solid all round team.

Chch Fanatics - Solid team with strength in all the right places. Old school feel which adds some character. Probably the most experienced team on paper.

Defence - Can read your style now! Tough uncompromising team built around the forward pack. Awesome spine. Backs are relatively not as strong, but overall I really like it. Possibly my most well rounded overall team?

Mr Brownstone - An astute observer who appreciates the older era. Well rounded team - cant find a weaknesses and would be tough to beat. possibly the toughest forward pack?

Hardymans Yugo - UK inspiration shows through and is a good point of difference. Is this the best halves pairing?

Naumai footy - Some innovative selection moves - This is possibly the best and most skillful backline.

Offthebench - Team build around some legends of the game. Great leadership and best captaincy options!

Pullin teeth - What a backrow - best in the comp? Nice lineup

Wellington Warrior - Team built around speed in the backs, tough forwards - well rounded possibly the best wing combo?

Wizard rage - best attacking team in the comp - built around size and skill.

 

[Stone]

There's a lot of class in every line up, makes it a very tough vote, even as an impartial observer.

In the end though, I voted for the teams I believe have the best overall spines.

And out of the three I voted for I believe bringmethehorizon just edges the other two.

I was also swayed by that lethal center pairing of Lyon & Renouf & the laser boot of El Magic.

And that pack led by Papalii along with Mannering & the silky skills of McGahan will go hard all day every day on both sides of the ball.

I was almost put off by Bluey as coach, but I blocked out his tenure at the Warriors & instead focussed on his results with the Kiwis, the Rhinos & at Fox Memorial level.

I've also gotta add that I'm a bit shocked no one picked up Laurie Daley, he would've been an instant top-three pick for me.

Great game gents ... was fun to watch.

 

[Mr Brownstone]

There's a lot of class in every line up, makes it a very tough vote, even as an impartial observer.

In the end though, I voted for the teams I believe have the best overall spines.

And out of the three I voted for I believe bringmethehorizon just edges the other two.

I was also swayed by that lethal center pairing of Lyon & Renouf & the laser boot of El Magic.

And that pack led by Papalii along with Mannering & the silky skills of McGahan will go hard all day every day on both sides of the ball.

I was almost put off by Bluey as coach, but I blocked out his tenure at the Warriors & instead focussed on his results with the Kiwis, the Rhinos & at Fox Memorial level.

I've also gotta add that I'm a bit shocked no one picked up Laurie Daley, he would've been an instant top-three pick for me.

Great game gents ... was fun to watch.

Daley never came up to bid for, he would have been the best player not to list, probably followed by Tedesco, Webcke and Harragon. I would have loved him in my team, either in the halves or at centre.

 

[Stone]

Lozz didn't make any of the lists but both Fozz & Mozz did ???

I take it all back ... this game is flawed af lol.

 

[Defence]

Lozz didn't make any of the lists but both Fozz & Mozz did ???

I take it all back ... this game is flawed af lol.

That was half the challenge- how long to wait for your favorites who may never come up.
It was a total mind fark.

 

[Mr Brownstone]

That was half the challenge- how long to wait for your favorites who may never come up.
It was a total mind fark.

And then nearly all the top players showed up right towards the end when most squads were pretty full and money was scarce!

 

[Stone]

I would've been poked then waiting on Daley & Wigan GB great Phil Clarke.

Two of my fav players from that era & must-haves for any fantasy team I would select.

Very similar players as well, both consistently great in multiple positions, both won multiple comps, both genuine leaders of men.

 

[Defence]

bringmethehorizon
Those centers 🤩 in fact the whole back line is all class.
Found it hard to compare your pack to some of the others with papa, jfh and Bateman all in their prime- history will be the judge there.
Very well balanced side.


Chchfanatic
As soon as u picked up Dennis Williams I knew this was gonna be an interesting lineup.
Would have to be the quickest team- the back three of Slater, offiah and Robinson is lightning- the whole back line is quick and watmough and gillett we’re both noted for their foot speed too.
Long range tries for days.


Mr Brownstone
Me old sparring partner- Cut my grass a couple of times- we have a similar taste in players.
Can’t see a weakness there- fantastic pack- the best halves- freakish centers and great finishes.
Stacked af.

Hardyman's Yugo
My favorite team to watch unfold- has that super league feel which separates it from the rest.
No one likes playing those pommy fowards- they’re filthy buggers (that’s meant as a compliment).
A forward pack u could go to war with- the back line is all class.

Naumaifooty
The boldest selection- gone for the old- pick all the best players and fit them in where u can- that back 5 is unstoppable!
I spoke to Adam mogg (our former assistant coach) once and he told me he was always trying to convince cappy to move Shaun Johnson to fullback but he wouldn’t because he has such a great kicking game.

Off The Bench
The team id least like to run into- some huge hitters in there- it would be scary as fark.
And of coarse u have Cameron Smith- 2 million seems a steal in retrospect.

PullinTeeth
Love this team- across the board.
I locked in my backrow early- graham, geyer and nikau and thought no ones gonna top that but I think you’ve pulled it off- sbw, Ali and burgess is just bullshit.

Wellington Warrior
The most underrated side- some really underrated players in there- u know what you’re gonna get from this side.
I watched the 3rd game of the 86 kangaroos great Britain series a couple of weeks back and how good was Bobby Linder! Always remember him for his toughness but couldn’t believe how fast he was- if I was to compare him to a current player it would be Cameron Murray- reckon he would carve these days.

wizards rage
How to stop that roll on? Big body after big body.
Love the balance of the halves and would pay the price of admittance just to see beaver running lines off benji.

Sooo hard to compare these sides and Ive flipped and flopped a hundred times but I keep coming back to 2 sides- brownstone and pullin teeth- across the park I just can’t fault them so have them both a vote.
I ended up comparing them player for player (couldn’t separate them any other way) and pullin teeth just took it out- 7 to 6 so congrats pullin.

Really tho I’d be stoked to be represented by any of these teams and would pay good money to watch them play.

Well done all the contestants and a special thanks to wrighty wizards rage and tajhay for making the off season so enjoyable.

 

[wrighty]

I would've been poked then waiting on Daley & Wigan GB great Phil Clarke.

Two of my fav players from that era & must-haves for any fantasy team I would select.

Very similar players as well, both consistently great in multiple positions, both won multiple comps, both genuine leaders of men.

You would have adapted. By the second round most contestants came to understand each list was largely luck of the draw and that you couldn't sit on a favourite player coming up later. To use a footy expression, the contestants had to play what was in front of them.
Had they been able to wait for the inevitable arrival of player X the game would have been too easy and prescriptive. Hopefully they way we ran it favoured contestants who had vision for the type of player profile they wanted and an outstanding knowledge of the depth of the inventory of players available.

Wouldn't change the approach when we do it again.

The first three lists were picked with the random number generator function in excel (with a little bit of doctoring)

Only the Bonus Santa round was hand picked and hence was a star studded list. I nearly put Daley into that Santa round but on a whim left him out as had already picked 33 others. Bit of fun to leave out one or two guns as well perhaps...