Like any such list, determining the top ten Rugby League players of all time is subjective. Nonetheless, we shall attempt it! Your choices for such a list will depend largely on which hemisphere you hail from and your age. To simplify matters, we have limited our selection to UK players only, thereby excluding players from Down Under. It’s only fair to acknowledge that Australia remains the heartland of Rugby League, a fact that might be hard to accept for some UK fans. The reality is stark: Great Britain’s Rugby League side hasn’t clinched an Ashes test series against Australia since 1970.
Before we dive into the UK list, let’s give a nod to a few legendary Australian players: Reg Gasnier, Bob ‘Bozo’ Fulton, Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns, Frank Burge, Clive Churchill, Graeme Langlands, Arthur Beetson, Wally Lewis, Herbert Henry ‘Dally’ Messenger, and John ‘Chook’ Raper all deserve honourable mentions. Now, let’s explore the top ten UK players.
10 – Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield continues to make his mark today with Leeds Rhinos, having dedicated 17 years to the club. His exceptional longevity and skill earn him a spot on this list.
9 – Sam Tomkins
At only 25, Sam Tomkins, now with Auckland Warriors in New Zealand, is a contentious pick as he’s still proving his mettle. However, the former Wigan player’s two Super League Grand Finals and two Challenge Cups highlight his prowess.
8 – Martin Offiah
Known as “Chariots“, Martin Offiah, mainly with Wigan from the late 80s to the early 2000s, is perhaps the fastest player the sport has seen. He scored a staggering 501 tries, making him the third-highest scorer ever.
7 – Garry Schofield
Upon retiring, Garry Schofield was tied as Great Britain’s most capped player, with 46 appearances. His exceptional performances earned him the 1990 Rugby League World Golden Boot Award.
6 – Andy Gregory
Andy Gregory, a true Wigan stalwart, achieved multiple records: the first to win the Lance Todd Trophy twice and the first to win five consecutive Challenge Cup Final winners’ medals.
5 – Roger Millward
Roger “the Dodger” Millward, a legendary figure at Hull KR from 1966 to 1980, played a pivotal role in Great Britain’s Ashes victory in Australia in 1970, a highlight of his impressive career.
4 – Shaun Edwards
Shaun Edwards, a lifelong Wigan player, is the most decorated in domestic rugby league and a stalwart in Test history, contributing significantly to his team’s numerous victories.
3 – Ellery Hanley
Ellery Hanley, another Wigan legend, played various roles for Great Britain and was instrumental in their successes during the 1980s, making him one of the most versatile players ever.
2 – Billy Boston
Billy Boston, born in Cardiff in 1934, left a lasting legacy in Rugby League with Wigan, scoring 478 tries and playing a crucial role in the 1960 World Cup victory for Great Britain.
1 – Alex Murphy
Alex Murphy stands at the pinnacle, whose breathtaking skills were first showcased on the 1958 Lions’ tour of Australia at 19. With over 500 professional appearances, Murphy’s legacy is unparalleled.
As we celebrate the illustrious careers of these legendary Rugby League players, we recognize their profound impact on the sport. Each has defined a generation and inspired countless young athletes across the UK to follow in their formidable footsteps.
We invite you to share your thoughts and join the conversation. Who would make your list of the top ten UK Rugby League players? Are there any current players you believe could eventually earn their place among these legends? Please share your views in the comments below, and let’s keep the legacy of these greats alive for future generations to admire and aspire to follow.
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