20 of the Best: Canberra Raiders

As we wait for season 2011 to get underway, the Making The Nut team will take a look back over the last 20 years to name the 20 best players at all sixteen teams. Merged teams will take account of both clubs pre-merger and the only rule is that a player must have played at least three years post-1990. A player's time at the club is the only time that is taken into account.

Here, Chris Parkinson looks back on the last two decades of the Canberra Raiders.

 

20. John Lomax: 65 games (93-96); 64 points

John made his debut with fellow New Zealand greats Quentin Pongia and Ruben Wiki in 1993 and became a dominant force in the Raiders front row over the next four seasons. John was at his best in 1994 in a grand final winning year for the Raiders, earning himself player of the year honours. He missed the grand final after a high tackle on Norths lock Billy Moore in the preliminary final, but fortunately he was not required. Unfortunately for John, this was not the first or last time he spent time on the sidelines due to suspension, but when not suspended, he was one of the toughest props in the comp.

19. Mark McLinden: 165 games (98-04): 261 points

McLinden burst onto the scene in 1998 and immediately became a standout in an already star studded line-up. The next generation of players to follow on from the stars of the early 90’s looked in good hands when McLinden won the NRL rookie of the year, and backed this up with the Raiders player of the year. Unfortunately, the heights of his first year success were not consistently emulated throughout the remainder of his time at the Raiders. He found it hard to permanently lock down a position and in my opinion, was not coached very well. Nevertheless, he was an important part in a team that transitioned from the long serving stars of the 80s and 90s to a new generation that continued reasonable success through consistent finals appearances into the 21^st century.

18. Simon Woolford: 233 games (94-06); 142 points

Simon was a stalwart of the club for 12 years, and captain for five of those years. Not only a great clubman and public face of the Raiders, having starred in many a public service commercial, he wasn’t a bad player either. The service from dummy half, niggle around the ruck, and leadership around the field were factors that prolonged his career at dummy half. This influence around the ruck has been missed in recent years.   

17. Tom Learoyd-Lars: 69 games (06-); 32 points

In recent years, the Raiders forward pack has become one of the best in the league. One of the main reasons for this is Tom. While the forward pack has consistently been a great defensive pack, the ability of Tom to hit the ball up and offload has added an important element to the Raiders attack. Its great to see him sign up for a further three years, and if his form at club, state and country continue I am sure he will be promoted further up a list like this in the future.

16. Gary Belcher: 148 games (86-93); 572 points

Gary is regarded as the greatest fullback (so far) for the Raiders. The record books from the 80s and early 90s for club, state and country, speak for themselves in terms of why he is regarded so well. He was a no fuss player who was a safe fullback with a great cover defence. He could sniff out a try as well, and of course had one of the best moustaches in the world. His commentary would really be improved if he brought it back!

15. Noa Nadruku: 92 games (93-97) 292 points

Noa’s five years at the Raiders were anything but uneventful. He knew how to score a try, and was the leading try scorer of the competition in 93 and 96. His combined speed and power made him a great player to watch as he often found the easier option to run straight over the opposition instead of around them. Unfortunately, his career with the Raiders was cut short after legal proceedings as a result of his drinking prowess. He left Canberra with his tail between his legs and a legal precedent under his belt and continued running over people at North Queensland.

14. Josh Dugan: 39 games (09-); 66 points

Based on the rules of this list, the selection of Josh is marginal. His career is still in its infancy, but he has already shown his ability as an all round footballer. The way he puts his body on the line in defence and his electric ability to pierce defensive lines makes him one of the brightest lights in the league. He has been compared with Brett Mullins, and hopefully he lives up to this comparison and becomes a long-term custodian for club, state and national teams. Hopefully he doesn’t drink as much though.

13. Todd Carney: 71 games (04-08); 262 points

I’m sure there are pretty strong opinions on this one, and I don’t know that there is really any right or wrong answer. It is a sad topic to bring up, especially due to his recent performances for another club, but he is not the first nor will he be the last talented junior to be let go by Raiders management. Anyway, as a young player he showed his ability to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and win a game single- handedly. It’s all just a damn shame.

12. Alan Tongue: 202 games (00-); 121 points

I’m not sure there is any player who loves the Raiders more than Tonguey, and I must say he is also a personal favourite of mine. From humble beginnings on the bench he received the Raiders rookie of the year award in 2000. It wasn’t really until 2006 that he secured the position of lock, which is the position he performed at his best in. In 2006, he broke the all time record for tackles made in a season and also secured Raiders player of the year. Alan has definitely not received the credit he is due, it upsets me to look through lists of backrowers/locks who have represented NSW over the years and not see Tongue in the record books. Although injury and playing out of position have not helped over recent seasons I really do hope there are chances ahead for him to get back to his former best.

11. Clinton Schifcoske: 139 games (01-06); 1052 points

In the era after the likes of Daley, Stewart, Mullins etc, on paper the Raider were arguably at one of their weakest points in history. A shinning light throughout the early years of the 21^st century was the custodianship of Clinton. He was a focal point in attack, but it was his effort in defence is where he excelled. I remember all to well some of the darker days where the defensive ability of the Raiders was less than overwhelming. It was a common occurrence for Clinton to be cleaning up in defence, and there was more than one occasion I remember him saving their skin. He was player of the year in 2001 and 2004, the best goal kicker the Raiders have had, and he didn’t mind a golden point field goal as well. 

10. Terry Campese: 95 games (04-); 341 points

There have not been to many five-eighths getting around in the last few seasons that have been much better than an in-form Terry Campese. In a time where the Raiders were consistently tipped for the wooden spoon, Terry provided the attacking options that ensured that they not only remained competitive, but also attained a little more success than some had predicted. The Raiders have built a formidable side around Terry in the last couple of years, and expectation is high when he returns from injury. Terry Campese, Clive Churchill medallist has a nice ring to it.

9. Brett Mullins: 183 games (90-00); 420 points

Brett is one of the most exciting players to have played rugby league in the last 20 years. On the field, he could score a try from any situation and it is not surprising to find he only sits behind Croker as the second highest try scorer ever for the club. His individual attacking brilliance was well complemented with the combination he developed with Ricky Stuart, and his solid defence. The excitement was not limited to his on-field exploits. There are many stories around the traps in the nation's capital highlighting his drinking, driving and general demeanour, but instead of being critical of these unsubstantiated stories, I am impressed and find it refreshing that he could remain playing at the highest levels while maintaining that sort of lifestyle.

8. David Furner: 200 games (92-00); 1218 points

Dave Furner bleeds green, that’s science. Now the coach of his beloved team, I only hope that he has as much success with the Green Machine as when he was a stoic back rower. The one positive so far is that I don’t think he will be using the role as a stepping stone to a “better” job as his most recent treacherous predecessors have. However, if things don’t go to plan, there could be some awkward family reunions in the future. Dave was one of the best back rowers of the 90s, a workhorse in defence with more than adequate capabilities in attack as well being a handy goal kicker. I guess the highlights for Dave are winning the Clive Churchill medal in the 1994 grand final, and being the 2011 premiership winning coach.

7. Jason Croker: 318 games (91-06); 482 points

318 games in 16 years make Jason the longest serving Raider. Making his debut in 1991 on the wing, he played pretty much every position on the field. All-time leading try scorer for the Raiders, he spent the first half of his career as a speedy try scoring back, and the second half of his career as a strong defensive back rower. The ability of Jason to adapt and succeed in many roles over a long period has ensured his place as a Raider great.

6. Steve Walters: 228 games (86-96); 164 points

Steve has massive wraps on him from both teammates and opponents. Mal described him as the best ever and I can understand why. As a hooker he had it all, great ball passing, dummy half running and one of the best rakes in the game. He was a big part in the early success of the Raiders having a major role in the three premierships. Even though the role of hooker has changed slightly since his time, I still think his style of play would challenge for representative honours in current teams.

5. Ruben Wiki ONZM: 225 games (93-04); 240 points

Ruben made his debut for the Raiders in 1993 in the centres alongside his childhood hero Mal Meninga. He quickly established himself as dominant attacking option for bot the Raiders and his beloved New Zealand. As the greats of the early 90s started leaving the club, Ruben took on more responsibility, moving to the forwards and becoming consistently one of the best players, year in year out. As a green-eyed spectator, there were not many more exciting sights than a Wiki in full flight. It was quite sad when Ruben left, but I guess in the end, the Warriors valued him higher than Canberra management. Tthat’s league in the modern era I guess. Also. for what its worth, I reckon he is the best ever New Zealand league player.

4. Bradley Clyde: 178 games (88-98); 152 points

The local Hawker College graduate and Australian schoolboy quickly established himself as the premier lock in the competition in his first season. Still a teenager in 1989, he put his stamp on the competition winning the Clive Churchill medal. Two years later, he once again was awarded best on ground in the grand final, this time on a losing team. A damaging ball runner and tireless defender lead to his many honours at club, state, and international levels, including being regarded as the best forward in the game. His inclusion (along with Laurie and Mal) in the greatest 100 players of 1908-2007 is a credit to player and club. 

4. Mal Meninga AM: 166 games (86-94); 864 points

Mal is arguably the greatest Raider of all time, and one of the best centres to play in our great game. His record of club, state, and international achievements is long and great. For me though, three time premiership winning captain is definitely the greatest achievement that can be attributed to him. Coming to an unimpressive Raiders outfit from the Qld club competition in 1986, Mal established himself as the platform on which a dynasty was created. Inspirational captaincy, barnstorming charges through opposition defences, bone jarring defence will be for what he is remembered. On indulgence, the intercept, don’t argue on Jarrod McCracken and subsequent try in the 1994 grand final will go down as one of the greatest individual moments in Raiders history. But, of course, like any other human being, he is fallible: he is after all a Queenslander.

2. Ricky Stuart: 203 games (88 – 9 8); 195 points

The 1990s halves combination of Ricky and Laurie is one of the best ever halves combination in club rugby league. For Ricky’s part in this, the amazing ability to throw long spiralling passes to either the right or left, his exciting combinations with the likes of Brett Mullins or his ability to seemingly have the football on a string with his kicking game, could single-handedly determine the outcome of a game. He must sit back in his coaching roles these days ruminating about how much more dominance he would have had over the opposition if the 40-20 rule was around in his time.  It is a credit to Ricky that he has since moved on to become a premiership winning coach.

1. Laurie Daley OA: 244 games (87 – 00); 445 points

Laurie was a complete rugby league player who excelled at every level. Most importantly, his attacking brilliance and bone jarring defence was the most consistent element in the success of the Raiders throughout his fourteen-year career that included three premierships and many finals appearances. This consistency is highlighted by the winning of six player of the year awards between 1990 and 2000 along with a Dally M in 1995, captaincies at club, state, and national levels highlight how much he meant not only to the green machine, but also to rugby league. A lovely bloke as well.