|
AAMI Country Team of the Century
Fullback: Clive Churchill (Central Newcastle)
Wingers: Brian Carlson (North Newcastle) and Eddie Lumsden (Kurri Kurri)
Centres: Michael Cronin (Gerringong) and Graeme Langlands (Wollongong)
Five-eighth: Bob Fulton (Wests Wollongong)
Halfback: Andrew Johns (Cessnock)
Lock: Wally Prigg (West Newcastle)
Second row: Herb Narvo (North Newcastle) and Bradley Clyde (Belconnen United)
Front row: Steve Roach (West Wollongong) and Glenn Lazarus (Queanbeyan United)
Hooker: Ian Walsh (Condobolin)
(Note: initial clubs listed)
The strength of the 13-man side emphasises Country’s proud contribution to the game over the decades, right through to the current NRL competition.
Graeme Langlands, at centre, and Bob Fulton, at five-eighth – chosen on the bench earlier this month in the Australian Team of the Century – join fullback and fellow Immortal Clive Churchill in the side.
All three captained Australia along with fellow selections Brian Carlson, Andrew Johns, Wally Prigg and Ian Walsh.
Many would recognise the contribution the Country Rugby League (CRL) has made to Rugby League from the grass-roots junior team in the bush to the top level at the NRL. This contribution has created house hold names such as Clive Churchill, Laurie Daley and Andrew Johns.
2008 marks the Centenary of Rugby League in Australia and to celebrate this great milestone the CRL hosted a gala dinner to name the AAMI Country Rugby League Team of the Century.
THE SELECTORS
The selectors for the Team of the Century include Rugby League stalwarts Arthur Summons, Brian Smith, Warren Ryan, Barry Toohey (News Ltd), Phil Mitchell (Rugby League Week), Sean Fagen (Rugby League historian), George Piggford (Rugby League Historian) as well as well known Rugby League statistician David Middleton.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
The team was selected as it would be if they were picking a ‘live team’. This enabled the judges to pick players in positions that will ensure they come up with the best team. For example Graeme Langlands could be picked in the centres if the judge preferred, say, Clive Churchill at fullback, or may pick a lock at second row if felt he would be suited to playing there, or centre on the wing if felt he would have to be in the side at the expense of a winger.
THE CRITERIA
Players must have:
- Played Junior Rugby League in the Country (includes current NRL cities of Wollongong, Newcastle and Canberra) AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
- Played for Country Firsts or Seconds or Origin
- Played for NSW
- Played for Australia
THE PLAYERS
The players available for selection were taken from the 220 greatest players already selected by the college.
A full list of Country players who fit the criteria of the AAMI Country Team of the Century is available for download here.
|
