A player the streets won't forget means a player who is exciting or memorable and who probably wasn't in the best team or won all the individual awards. So, I will select teams from each NRL club with something about them, but they could not win the league. It also can't just be an eventual premiership side the year before or after, as that's too easy. I'll highlight an important game from each side's season, some players and talk about their kits. I was going to have honourable mentions, but this article was long enough, and I've avoided going too obvious with some sides like the 02 Warriors, who no one forgets.
Brisbane Broncos 2002
This is tough as picking any team between the 90s premierships is complicated as they are too similar to another winning side. They are dominant, while the 10s offer some grim and other competent sides that didn't elicit any feeling from me. I will find the happy medium and pick the side that started the baby Broncos. Notable NRL longstays Corey Parker & Ashley Harrison picked up a handful of games in this team. While NRL cult heroes Casey Mcguire, Shane Walker, Brad Meyers & Stuart Kelly played at least ten fixtures. Then the actual squad was decent as usual (allowing for many SOO selections) with Lockyer no longer kicking and in his second last season of fullback, While Tate and Chris Walker added some youthful speed and try scoring to the backs. The kit had moved into the weird Nike unimaginative but not classic-looking template era (one that would continue until they finished). Their last season playing at ANZ (with the running track) before returning to Suncorp. The memorable game would be the Baby Broncos' win over the Tigers 28-14 co, coached by assistant coach Craig Bellamy ( I wonder what happened to him). They would fall just short of the grand final, losing to the Roosters. Add it to the pile of really good seasons under Wayne Bennett.
Canberra Raiders 2000
This season offered the last glimpse of the classic Raiders teams and ushered in a bold new era with several long-term raiders playing their part in this side. Coached by Mal Meninga (his best performance at the club's helm), it saw Club greats Laurie Daley and Dave Furner retire while Brett Mullins moved onto the Roosters. Woolford, Davico, Payten, Wiki & Croker would hit their straps. While the Mac attack, Tongue (peak-rated underrated guy), Vainikolo (The last of the Kiwi/pacific island winger phenoms to come through the Raiders), Finch and Loleso offered a promising future. All this was performed in what some would dub their ugliest kits ( I would have them as the only significant change the club has had, and I am meh on them), meaning they actually needed away kits for once. Also, a change to the logo from the classic circle (whose era is always the best for logos, but if I had to pick one flaw, so many of those mascots' eyes aren't right if you look at them closely, It's like the artist said I can't get eyes right and they went I'm sure it'll be fine) one to the raider head. The peak moment of the season is the round 17 win over the Tigers in the snow (a game I listened to on the radio in the car, which made it 10x more dramatic than it was). Meanwhile, the qualifying final win over the Panthers at Bruce gave Laurie a proper farewell before exiting to the Roosters next week.
Canterbury Bulldogs 2009
After one of the worst seasons in the club's history, they dipped into the player market, and pretty much every recruit hit the ground running. Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri & Andrew Ryan remained veterans from the 04 side. Michael Ennis, Brett Kimmorley & Josh Morris were big recruits. But the addition of Stagg, Hannant, Goodwin and cult hero Michael Hodgson (hit 'em up, Hodgo) gave the side a massive boost. While Jamal Idris burst onto the scene with a young Ben Barba waiting in the wings. More than half the team received position Player of the Year awards. The team were eliminated in an incredible 74,000-strong crowd prelim derby with the Eels (that I contest they would have won with Kimmorley on the field). To sum up the club's fortunes, their sponsor was a charity in camp quality as their performances and image were so bad; they quickly changed those fortunes and put in place the foundations of a finals contender for years. Also, the last year of the angry V logo was modern in 1998 but on its last legs by 2009.
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 1999
I could pick the good side or the side full of cult heroes that went okay a few years later. This is a rare case where the successful side is the right decision. Everyone had a soft spot for them then, and only ET was viewed as a superstar (despite a few club legends in there). David Peachey produced some of his best work at the back, leading to an origin call the following season (he was genuinely one of the most exciting runners on the ball; some of his highlights get shown, but not nearly enough). Martin Lang, Coached by dad John Lang, did some of his head-shaking hit-ups (I have seen few players care so little for their safety in hits(this might also be a future article). Decent seasons for several backs you think are way older than they are at this time in Best, Mckenna and Mellor. While Mat Rogers and Nathan Long would have injury-impacted seasons. It also had the emergence of Adam Dykes, who was excellent for them ( but then went quiet at Parra (there's definitely an article there). Jason Stevens form found him in the Australian team also. Weirdly, the kit worked quite well for a non-traditional design with the random grey through the middle and Pepsi sponsorship. While I never really warmed to the random star logo compared to the worried shark (It came at a time when logos had to change to a weird shape(Cowboys oval, Knights Rectangle) or a head (Raiders or Panthers) or a combo of both (the dogs). Their 56-18 win over the Bears with hat tricks to ET and Peachey showed how easily they could dismantle lesser sides. They would also win the minor premiership before going out to the stacked Dragons. This was also before they became the Fox8 team that primarily played on Saturday nights, a weird thing that I last thought about a while ago.
Gold Coast Titans 2007
This season sums up the club better than any other can. This franchise is the one that is going to end the area as a graveyard for professional clubs. Did they, though? Sort of is the emphatic answer. Signing big hitters Scott Prince, Preston Campbell, Luke Bailey, Anthony Laffranchi, and Matt Rogers gave them good starters across several positions. They, for the most part, more than delivered with only Mark Minichiello and Jake Webster offering a lot. Their kits rarely got better, and their logo has only regressed (not that I thought it was great to begin with). They lost their first game at Suncorp but proceeded to win their first on the Gold Coast against Cronulla. It was a microcosm for the club as a whole. This group would have bigger seasons, but this one had everyone's attention (first new club since the storm in a state that cares).
Manly Sea Eagles 2005
This season allowed Manly to finally return to prominence after two years since being the Northern Eagles (a merger so bad a good portion of the Bears retired or moved, timing perfectly with a Manly decline). Second season for Hasler, and the signings helped bring this club along far quicker than expected. The coup of Brett Kite and Ben Kennedy added proper firepower to the pack that already featured stalwart Menzies and up-and-comers King and Watmough. This built on the addition of the captain Michael Monaghan's contribution joining last season (an underrated piece in the rebuild, all things considered, the forwards take a lot of the spotlight). Terry Hill regularly featured to aid the side, and John Hopoate played his last two games. Brett Stewart had a solid second season as a regular starter while his brother Glenn and Matai bobbed their heads up. Ultimate SWF journeyman Michael Witt finished as the top point scorer for the club. Three on a trot to start the year signalled the club's return to prominence before a respectful 8th finish and a first-round exit. The kit also went away from the weird blue middle Northern Eagles-influenced kit with blue shorts to their traditional horizontal stripes, albeit not their best crack at it.
Melbourne Storm 2001
This is the peak lovable storm after a premiership but just before the empire. It is hard to pick any side later than this, as even trophyless seasons are overshadowed by how competitive they were at some point in the season. Instead, we look at the Mark Murray (the only premiership-less storm coach as Anderson and Bellamy both had successful reigns) led the team as they tried to recapture the lightning that was 1999. On the plus side, Geyer, Hill, Howe, Kearns, Kearney and Bai all feature prominently as they did in the big year. On the downside, rookie of the year Lavea falls off of the map and is off to the Eagles after this season. They have a new leader in Matt Orford at half as he does a more than decent job supported by Richard Swain. There were even a few appearances by Paul Whatuira (Who thought he played for them? I've got an article ready to go on those). This season was largely memorable for their games played at Colonial (now Marvel Stadium). They also played some games on Thursdays and Mondays, which was weird for that era. The most memorable result was a 64-0 win over the Tigers on a Monday night at Colonial. They would finish the season in ninth, and a rare finals miss. This was also the last year with gold collars before a rough stretch of kits with the classic Stormman logo (was there ever an explanation for what that was meant to be? It's weird if you think about it).
Newcastle Knights 1995
This is the peak of a lot of Knights storylines coming together. With the old sides built on toughness and fitness, representing the region for the first time in the biggest competition, meeting the first glimpses of the future of the club, in particular a workhorse and obsessive savant pair of siblings in the John's. While a smattering of the squad would soon be appreciated better in Super League or elsewhere (Ross, the Kimmorleys, Treacy, McCormack & Marquet). This is peak big hit up Chief, and the battle with Spud was well and truly in full flight with Chief taking himself out, such was his desperation to win the fight. It would also see the end of Sargent and an injury-impacted season for Glanville. Ainscough would also win the Centre of the Year for his performances on this side. The club would have a hard-fought season with Matty Johns's field goal sealing a win over the Sharks in a qualifying final before losing to nemesis the Eagles in the prelim. This season allowed them to believe they could do big things before the next season, and a certain red-headed halves' behaviour suggested it could quickly go away before getting the right balance in 1997. As for their kits, this is a filler between the more recognisable sponsors of Henny Penny and BP on the design in use and the premiership design synonymous with the Stockland sponsorship. Some acid trip sevens kits, though, but minus points for the shorts, which always look like cheap PE uniform shorts (speaking from experience, I own a pair) and don't match the kit if you look too closely. The logo is as good as it gets for its classic shape, good knight head and the best font.
New Zealand Warriors 2008
A team far enough away from the obvious choice but packed full of their own memorable players. Led by Ivan Cleary I wonder what happened to him. Wiki and Price are both old veterans but still had plenty to give for this side; while at lock, you have someone who should've at least got one origin game in Michael Luck. The spine is very much made up of SWF players, with Nathan Fien at hooker, Michael Witt and Lance Hohaia partnered up in the halves. You also get a fit Brent Tate in the centres and young future stars in Mannering, Rapira, Vatuvei, Ropati and the late Sonny Fai. Swann is still around from the old teams, and Mackinnon is a peak SWF player but was injured for the majority. This imposing side had an imposing kit that entirely escaped the original by losing the v and the blue and red being predominately black with grey trim. They had a great run through the Storm and Roosters before coming unstuck against eventual premiers, the Eagles. With the memorable late try for Michael Witt (put the ball down, son!).
North Queensland Cowboys 2005
Bold take. This team was a more exciting team than the 2005 Tigers. Both had exciting backs, but the Cowboys forwards were more mature and offered far more entertaining impact (read big hits); I doubt the Tigers will lose any sleep with their trophy and going three from four in matchups against them. A Back three with Matt Bowen, Ty Williams and Matt Sing is as exciting as they get. Bowen and Williams made some brilliant runs in their time with a veteran finisher in Sing. The centres were decent in Hannay and Bowman (a sole survivor from some of the worst Cows teams). Veteran pack-a-day smoker Justin Smith is guiding Thurston in his first year at the club, and a consistent year from Aaron Payne making for a great spine. Rauhihi and Norton fill the void of angry veteran forwards the club always seem to have (Like Morrison, Campion, Tamou and Sims). The most aggressive second rower who seemed to take each opposition forward as a personal affront was Luke O'Donnell, with Southern, Tronc and the late Carl Webb backing him up. Graham Murray (RIP) led an attack-first squad that put on plus 30 points seven times this season. The 29-0 win over the minor premier Eels, securing their first-ever grand final appearance, has to be the most memorable moment.
Parramatta Eels 2001
A team most of their fans would prefer not to be reminded about, but a more preferable one to the 2009 team led by the unbelievable form of the Plane that can't be named. This one, instead, was led by Brian Smith and involved him getting the most out of all parts of a side that only lost four games in the regular season. Jason Taylors' pursuit for the points record in a competitive side was the most noteworthy in the season story. With a very young pack playing well beyond their years with peak performances from Nathan Cayless and Mick Vella and a back row stocked with the Hindmarshs and Andrew Ryan. A career season at hooker for Brad Drew. Wagon, Vaealiki, Hodgson, PJ Marsh and Jamie Lyon stood out as players for the future. While Solomona was one of the most impactful impact subs I have seen. Burt, Moodie and Buettner offered experience in the backs also. The kits weren't as memorable as the late 90s ASICS numbers, but the inverse home and away did the job. However, the less said about the shocked Eel, the better (he knew what was coming) with whispers that Smith created a too high-pressure atmosphere going into their final. Their first-half collapse is an all-timer despite an excellent second half. Their steamrolling of the Warriors in the qualifying final remains the perfect example of what this side could do. The side would then quickly change a lot and be a finals contender for a few years.
Penrith Panthers 1999
The Panthers' selection had to be either Royce Simmons or Matt Elliott-era teams. The others are just too obvious, and both Gould and Cleary's sides that lost in the finals would immediately rectify the situation. Bar a decent performance in the Super League, primarily due to the poor form of others, the team was in a lean period instigated by the unfortunate death of Ben Alexander and hastened by player movement, particularly their superstar Fittler, with Gould to the Roosters and Alexander, to the Warriors with the retirement of many others. So Simmons was up against it in 99 with an unpopular signing destination. This marked Gowers's first year being used primarily as a halfback as opposed to a hooker, and it culminated in a world cup and origin appearances, albeit as a hooker/utility. It marked the real kick-on of Ryan Girdler's career, winning centre of the year and gaining the same honours as Gower. Sattler came in from the wilderness of the Gold Coast and made a great first impression. Chris Hicks made a spot for himself, and Brad Drew had his best Panthers year. The return of Geyer (who'd have a better year next year) and the presence of Steve Carter alongside the retiring Alexander offered the fans one last view of their 91 heroes. Many didn't play, but the names of the Puletua brothers, Elford and Wesser, gave them a glimpse of the future squad. Winning at home against the Raiders in their last home game to farewell Brandy will be the best moment for this side. Using their best logo in their best colours but with a weird continuation of their Super League kit. One season off their most underrated in the full-back with teal, white and red stripes in what has to be one of the last cotton kits.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 2007
From a spoon to the finals, this was the team to finally announce the Rabbits as a competitive team in the competition, through having a decimated juniors system and playing ranks in their last years before losing any talent they did have in their removal from the comp (Wing and Anasta) amongst attendance, mismanagement and financial issues. Their return made for a tough hang with 4/5 spoons in this time, alongside disappointing performances (definitely pushing it uphill, too) from marquee signings in Brian Fletcher and Ash Harrison, which didn't make for ideal recruiting material. Then they signed Roy Asotasi, who, along with the signing of Widders, the emergence of Faalogo and the most appearances from stalwart Cusack, made Souths games a battle every time out (Kidwell also was unlucky to be out injured for most of the season). In the backs, Merritt had some competition for tries for once, seeing his output drop off a bit with Peachey having a swansong and Vagana reeling back the years. Led in the halves by Joe Williams and Ben Rogers. Jason Taylor started with promising signs but needed something else to carry that momentum into the following years. The qualifying final, a comfortable win for Manly, may not be memorable, but Souths were back. The kit was the first white and black sides for home and away. While the novelty and impact wore off, the first go with firepower as a sponsor and the oval removed from the logo looked like the business.
St George Illawarra Dragons 2018
The 1999 side was too easy an option, and most mid 00's sides are too close to the premiership sides barring Bennetts signings. Instead, we'll look at a side that finally looked to cash in on the talent around the club and meet the expectations of a top-four finish. Star Halves pairing Widdop and Hunt. Frizell and Graham offered experience in the forwards. Dufty had a big year of 13 tries in his first entire season, while Aitken, only a year older, built on his solid start. Tariq Sims, De Belin and Vaughan rounded out the pack. Meanwhile, the ever-dependable coach favourite, Cam Mcinnes, didn't miss a game. While Mann and the GOAT Latimore offered a significant impact on the bench. A solid V with their classic logo, ignoring the Steelers as much as possible, as good as it gets, I suppose ( I mean, how hard is it to have a white wrap around on the red away arms, or is that the only time we remember it's a merger). A thirty-point win over the Broncos in the qualifying final had them believing, but Souths and an Adam Reynolds field goal pulled the rug away from them, never to recover; what might have been.
Sydney Roosters 1996
The leap from never rans to also-rans, Phil Gould's second year in charge and change was afoot. Fittler joining him as a lock at 23 was undoubtedly the talking point. However, picking up Ivan Cleary from the Bears and Matt Sing from his old club gave Andrew Walker and Adrian Lam the freedom to play. While getting career-best years out of Junee (15 tries, much to Rab's pleasure) and Garlic. Hermansson and Dunn offer a veteran presence. While an injured Ricketson derailed his trajectory and SWF favourite John Simon was unable to get much of a game, this was a recruiting and coaching masterclass probably above work at the Bulldogs or Panthers (both twice and ok, maybe not the last Panthers effort). It was a bit of a flat track bully season, with a 30-25 win over Norths at Norths being the stand-out and them going out in straight sets. As for the kits, they were standard quality Roosters: home blue, away white. It is a logo that I genuinely love because it is so bad, but it is good in an endearing way(A chook hitting up the harbour bridge in the background). Also, in this period, they went by Sydney City, which, if they aren't going to be called Easts, is preferable to just Sydney. Everything the Roosters are about started here.
The Dolphins 2023
Can't be too nostalgic about a season that happened last year but it's their only option. In a few years, this will still be a great option. Bennett again is put to work to get the best out of a side and leads a new Queensland franchise for the second time. The pack is memorable for the old Storm trio of the Bromwich's and Fin Diesel. Isaako and Niu tore up behind the momentum created by Marshall King and whoever was half on a given week, including coaches 'favourite Anthony Milford. Their most memorable moment would be the first win against the Roosters at home while winning the next two after creating a buzz around the club. The logo works fine, although less frisky than its Queensland Cup equivalent. While I'm not a fan of the Broncos mixed in the wash kit, I understand that a red shirt with white sleeves is stiff to make exciting (especially without using the Colonel), so I understand the gold, but I don't love it.
Wests Tigers 2010
Sometimes, the easiest option is the best option for the majority of the class of 2005, Bar Prince, with the addition of some great footballers. Gareth Ellis was on a tear this season (a player whose impact has been dulled by the Burgess bros, James Graham & the Raiders boys), but he gave his all for the Tigers. Add to that a welcome return to the code for Tuqiri. Chris Lawrence matured beyond his years, firing alongside fellow young gun Blake Ayshford. 20-year-old Robert Lui found his way into the team as injury stopped Moltzen from carrying on his fine form. This is prime Marshall and Farah putting in their best work with Sheens in one of his final shots at the big one. Mostly, they ran games close with their finals losses against the Roosters and eventual premiers. The Dragons are timers, with the latter offering a real grand final for that season. Dwyer's hit was a very memorable moment in a career cut sadly short. The logo is as classic as ever. This goes down as their best kit, with the subtle sides representing both clubs well and being innovative themselves. Anyone rating that 2005 one is nostalgic for the premiership and Marshall's emergence (fair enough, but terrible kits and now at least one touch side in every comp evers jersey).
And thats a wrap honourable mention to the Bears and Magpies who from when I was born til their mergers had sides that could easily fit in here. Stay tuned for next week where I will write another NRL article and this for the AFL.
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