14 replies to this topic

[Stoney100]

Ok with the Dogs v Rabbitohs (James Graham v the Burgess boys) we will have a Brit playing in the Grand Final.

Does anyone know the last Brit to play in a Grand Final in Austraila?

I think it was Ellery Hanley back in the eighties - my mates think it is more recent but we can not think who.

Do not think Gareth Widdop played when the Storm last won - any ideas people?

Edited by Stoney100, 17 September 2012 - 07:10 AM.

[G Las D]

You're correct, Gareth hasn't played for Storm yet in a Grand Final - as a full back cover for Billy Slater he didn't make it on to the GF pitch.
The answer depends on your thinking.
Chris Heighington played for Tigers versus Cowboys in the 2005 Grand Final. Chris has a British passport through his father who was born and bred in England. Chris has played for England.
If you want a British born Brit then that would be the guy Roosters fans took to their hearts: Adrian Morley. He played for them in their 2004 GF against Dogs.

[G Las D]

http://www.nrl.com/b...34/default.aspx

Edited by G Las D, 17 September 2012 - 08:36 AM.

[AndyCapp]

Adrian Morley 2002, 2004

[Futtocks]

Interesting - there's an article about this in the SMH. 19 Brits have played in the Australian Grand Final, with 10 of them ending up on the winning side.

"Rugby league statistician David Middleton said only 19 Englishmen have played in a rugby league grand final in Australia's elite competition and only 10 have emerged winners. Adrian Morley was the last, winning the the 2002 premiership with the Sydney Roosters.

Morley joined premiership winning countrymen Dick Huddart (St George, 1966), Dave Bolton (Balmain, 1969), Malcolm Reilly (Manly 1972-73), Phil Lowe (Manly, 1976), Gary Stephens (Manly, 1976), Steve Norton (Manly, 1976), Kevin Ward (Manly, 1987), Lee Jackson (Newcastle, 1997) and Harvey Howard (Brisbane, 2000)."

Edited by Futtocks, 17 September 2012 - 03:31 PM.

[G Las D]

Here's another link to a different SMH page 10 best Englishmen to play RL in Oz

Edited by G Las D, 17 September 2012 - 06:18 PM.

[R L Winger]

Another couple of poms that played in Sydney grand finals,Tommy Bishop and Cliff Watson Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 1973 grand final

[G Las D]

Back to the opening post here: Gareth Widdop, assuming he's fit and selected will be playing in the Grand Final next weekend.
Again subject to fitness he'll then meet James Graham or a Burgess or two.
The game between Bulldogs and Souths tomorrow will settle that.

[kioli]

So it's Vaseline-Legs vs Widdop

Surely if Widdop wins a GF at 5/8th the doubters on here will have to accept he's the best British playmaker going round ATM...

[G Las D]

If you mean best British playmaker in Oz then that's fair enough. Having said that James Graham can motor and has a bit of a side step!
If you mean the best British playmaker all included then maybe there'll be differences of opinion.

[keyboard warrior]

Do you think that within the next 5 years, British players will become almost as commonplace as those from across the ditch?

[kioli]

If you mean best British playmaker in Oz then that's fair enough. Having said that James Graham can motor and has a bit of a side step!
If you mean the best British playmaker all included then maybe there'll be differences of opinion.

who would be as good or better do you think?

[kioli]

Do you think that within the next 5 years, British players will become almost as commonplace as those from across the ditch?

I'd love to think so. It would add another dimension to the NRL and strengthen the British international teams.

[G Las D]

who would be as good or better do you think?

Don't get me wrong as a Storm fan I rate Gareth very highly and hope to see him win the Clive Churchill medal on Sunday.
Another British contender I rate in the playmaker role - Danny Maguire, but definitely not Rangi Chase!
I hope Gareth has as long and distinguished a career as say Kevin Sinfield.
Gareth's advantage is to be playing alongside some of the best players in the world - partnering Cooper Cronk and sharing the field with Cam Smith and Billy Slater.

[kiwityke]

If you mean best British playmaker in Oz then that's fair enough. Having said that James Graham can motor and has a bit of a side step!
If you mean the best British playmaker all included then maybe there'll be differences of opinion.

Besides motoring he has a brilliant set of gnashers.