40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

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The Greenhouse
Don Furner
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40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by The Greenhouse »

40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

To help celebrate the Canberra Raiders 40th season, The Greenhouse is conducting a series of polls in the off season to determine The Greenhouse 40 Year Dream Team... the best squad of 17 players in the Canberra Raiders' history... and the best top 30 squad of all time.

Since the club's 25th anniversary, we have polled the readers of The Greenhouse on their Raiders Dream Team every five years. This was the team chosen by the fans five years ago, following a season in which the Raiders qualified for a Preliminary Final:



So has the passing of an additional five years made a difference?

Players need to have played 40 or more first grade games for Canberra to qualify to be part of each poll. They must also have played 25 games in a particular position for the Raiders to be nominated for a starting position. Effectively, to qualify for the starting side, a player must have played at least two good seasons for the club... and at least one season in a particular position. Bench players only need to have played 40 games for the club. Only the records of a player at the Raiders is taken into consideration.

These are the results.



Fullback

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Gary Belcher: After winning the 1985 premiership with the Magpies in Brisbane (95 games, 1983-1985), Gary Belcher joined the Raiders along with another Magpie, Mal Meninga. He was a brilliant attacking player, who created opportunities with his step and swerve. He knew just when and where to run. He helped turn the club into a premiership force, playing in four Grand Finals in eight seasons with the club, winning two (1989-90). He scored the try which brought the Raiders back into the 1989 Grand Final. He's been named at fullback in each of the three Dream Teams, as well as the club's official 20 year greatest ever team. In 2007, he was voted into the top 10 Raiders of all time by the readers of The Greenhouse, ranking sixth. He's won the Dally M Fullback of the Year three times, the only Raiders player to win the award more than once. He has also won the Raiders' Player of the Year twice.

Raiders record: 1986-1993, 148 games, 69 tries, 148 goals, 572 points
146 games at fullback, one at centre, one off the bench
Two premierships, four grand finals, 19 finals games, all at fullback
Raiders Player of the Year 1986, 1987
Raiders Players' Player 1986
Raiders Coaches Award 1986
Clubman of the Year 1993
Dally M Fullback of the Year 1987, 1989, 1990
Top pointscorer in NSWRL 1988
Equal third for most goals in a match: nine V Cronulla, Seiffert Oval, April 3, 1988
Seventh for most points in a season: 218 (10T, 89G), 1988
Equal 10th for most tries in a season: 17, 1989
Equal eighth for most tries: 69, 1986-1993
Fifth for most points: 572 (69T, 148G), 1986-1993
Canberra Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record*: 1988-1991 Australia 15 games, including five World Cup games
1986-1993 Queensland 16 games
Dally M Representative Player of the Year 1990
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

Wingers

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John Ferguson: John "Chicka" Ferguson joined the Raiders after playing with the Newtown Jets (74 games, 1981-1983) and the Eastern Suburbs Roosters (32 games, 1984-1985). He was already 31 years old - and had played one grand final with the Jets (1981), as well as for Australia and New South Wales. He had also won Dally M Winger of the Year in 1985. However, he was about to enter the most successful phase of his football career. Ferguson was an exciting stepper and quick. He almost always broke the first tackle. The Raiders fans loved him, and he was the only player whose nickname was regularly chanted by the crowd. He missed the Raiders' first ever finals campaign in 1987, having suffered an ACL injury early in the season. But he was as good as ever, when he returned to the field in 1988. That year, he was the competition's top try scorer of 1988 and the Dally M Winger of the Year. That set a new club record for most tries in a season (20). In the 1989 grand final, Ferguson scored the dramatic try in the final stages which forced extra time - with the team going on to win the club's first premiership. He retired as a true club legend, after the club won the 1990 grand final against the Panthers. The readers of The Greenhouse have included him on the wing in the 25, 30 and 35 Canberra Raiders Dream Teams. He also ranked 10th in the Top Ten Greatest Ever Raiders, voted upon by The Greenhouse members in 2007. Ferguson was named on the wing in the club's official 20 Years Greatest Ever Team, and in the top 25 Raiders on the occasion of the club's 25th anniversary.

Raiders record: 1986-1990, 94 games, 50 tries, 200 points
94 games on the wing
Two premierships, two grand finals, nine finals games, all on the wing
Dally M Winger of the Year 1988
Dally M Top Tryscorer of the Year 1988 - 20 tries
Raiders Most Consistent Player 1988
Oldest player for the club - 36 years and 70 days in 1990
Eighth most tries in a season for the club - 20 in 1988
Scored four tries in match against the Gold Coast Giants, Seiffert Oval, April 17, 1988
Indigenous Team of the Century, 2008, on the bench
Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record*: 1988-1989 New South Wales, five games
1988-1989 NSW Country, two games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

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Jordan Rapana: Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Jordan Rapana moved with family to the Gold Coast as a child. He made his NRL debut with the Gold Coast Titans in 2008, playing five games. He then took a break from the game and ended up being given another chance in rugby league with the Raiders in 2013. He became part of the most lethal centre-wing partnership in the game in 2016 - "Leipana" - with Joey Leilua. The pair were a big reason behind the Raiders progressing to the Preliminary Final in that season - with Rapana setting a new club record for most tries in a season (23). He rightly should have won the Dally M Winger of the Year in 2016, but had to wait for that until 2017. After playing on the wing in the 2019 grand final, Rapana went to Japan to play rugby union. But he returned to the club in 2020 - and won the Meninga Medal in 2021. The members of The Greenhouse selected him at winger in the 2010s Canberra Raiders Team of the Decade.

Raiders record: 2008-2021, 154 games, 83 tries, nine goals, 350 points
133 games on the wing, 11 at fullback, eight at centre, two off the bench
One grand final, nine finals matches, six on the wing, three at centre
Dally M Winger of the Year 2017
Meninga Medal 2021
Raiders Coaches Award 2016, shared with Joey Leilua
Canberra Raiders Fans' Choice Player of the Year 2017, shared with Nick Cotric, 2021
Fifth most tries for the club - 83
Most tries for the club in a season - 23 in 2016
Equal fifth for most tries for the club in a season - 21 in 2017
Scored four tries in a game for the club against Wests Tigers, Canberra Stadium, April 23, 2016

Representative record: 2016-2018 New Zealand, 11 games, including three World Cup games
2015 Cook Islands, including two World Cup games

Centres

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Mal Meninga: Mal Meninga is one of only 13 Immortals of the game in Australia - and the only Raiders Immortal. He is widely regarded as the club's best ever signing, the catalyst for the Raiders' golden age of the late 1980s to mid 1990s. Born in Bundaberg, Meninga joined the Raiders in 1986 and went on to play in five grand finals and win three premierships with the club. He was a colossus at centre, a barnstorming, unstoppable runner and a punishing defender. He was appointed Raiders captain in 1989 and led the team to each of its three premierships. When he retired, he had set multiple records for Australia and Queensland. He had made an unprecedented four Kangaroos Tours, captaining two, scored the most points in Test rugby league (272), captained Australia in 23 Tests, made the most appearances in State of Origin (32), and scored the most points in Origin (161). He played over 400 first class games with the Raiders and Brisbane Souths - and appeared in 11 grand finals with the two clubs. He also won two premierships in Brisbane. The members of The Greenhouse voted him in at centre in the 25, 30 and 35 Year Dream Teams. They also named him as the greatest Raider of all time in 2007. Meninga was included in the club's list of the top 25 players on the occasion of the 25th anniversary. He was also named at centre in the club's official 20 Years Greatest Ever Team.

Raiders record: 1986-1994, 166 games, 74 tries, 283 goals, two field goals, 864 points
160 games at centre, three in the second row, two at five eighth, one off the bench
Three premierships, five grand finals, 19 finals games, 18 at centre, one at five eighth
Golden Boot 1990, Best Player in the World
Rugby League Week Player of the Year 1990
Dally M Centre of the Year 1990, 1991
Dally M Captain of the Year 1994
Raiders Players' Player 1991
Raiders Best Player 1990
Fourth most points for the club - 864 (74T, 283G, 2FG), 1986-1994
Sixth most tries for the club - 74, 1986-1994
Most points in a match for the club - 38 (5T, 9G) V Easts, Bruce Stadium, August 22, 1993, also ranks third
Only player to score five tries for the club - against the Roosters, Bruce Stadium, April 15, 1990
Equal third most goals for the club - nine against the Roosters, Bruce Stadium, April 15, 1990
Equal tenth most tries in a season for the club - 17, 1990
Eighth most points in a season for the club - 212 (17T, 72G), 1990
Australian Team of the Century, 2008
Queensland Team of the Century, 2008
NRL Immortal
NRL Hall of Fame
Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record*: 1986-1994 Australia, 34 games, including 11 World Cup games
1986-1994 Queensland, 19 games
1988 Australian President's XIII, against Great Britain Lions, Queanbeyan
1990-1994 Australian captain
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

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Jarrod Croker: Hailing from the regional town of Goulburn, Jarrod Croker came through the Canberra Raiders junior grades. He was an Australian Schoolboy representative and NSW Under 18s representative. He was a part of the Raiders' National Youth Competition premiership team, and a part of the famous golden try which sealed the grand final in extra time. He made his NRL debut in Round 2 of 2009 against the Sydney Roosters and had gone on to break multiple point scoring records in the NRL and the club. He is second only to Jason Croker for most games at the club - and holds the record for most tries, goals and points at the club. He ranks third for most career points of all time in the NRL . He won the Provan Summons Medal in 2016, voted the best player in the NRL by the fans. He has also won the Meninga Medal (2014) and twice won the Fans' Choice Player of the Year. Appointed captain of the club in 2014, he was named Dally M Captain of the Year in 2016. He is one of just three players to lead the Raiders onto the field in a grand final - in 2019. The readers of The Greenhouse selected him at centre in the 35 Year Dream Team and the 2010s Team of the Decade.

Raiders record: 2009-2021, 291 games, 133 tries, 853 goals, 2,238 points
290 games at centre, one on the wing
One grand final, three preliminary finals, 12 finals games, all at centre
Dally M Captain of the Year 2016
Provan Summons Medal 2016
NRL Top pointscorer 2012, 2015, 2016
Third for most points scored in the NRL - 2,238
Equal fourth for most points scored in a season in the NRL - 296
Meninga Medal 2014
Raiders Fans' Choice Player of the Year 2013, 2014
Raiders Club Person of the Year, 2019
Most points for club - 2,238
Most tries for club - 133
Most goals for club - 853
Most points in a season at club - Jarrod Croker 296 (18T, 112G), 2016, also ranks third, fourth, fifth and ninth
Second for most games at club - 291
Equal third for most goals in a game at the club - Nine against Knights, Canberra Stadium, September 2, 2017
Fourth for most points in a game at the club - 24 (2T, 8G) against Titans, Canberra Stadium, May 9, 2015
Ninth for most tries in a season at the club - 18, 2014, 2016

Representative record: 2015-2017 NRL/World All Stars, three games
2015-2016 NSW Country, two games
2015 Prime Minister's XIII

Five eighth

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Laurie Daley: Laurie Daley joined the Raiders in 1987, after coach Don Furner saw him playing for the Junee Diesels as a 16 year old. He started the year in Jersey Flegg and ended making a finals appearance in first grade. He also sat on the bench in the 1987 Grand Final. He went on to win three premierships and make four Grand Final appearances for Canberra. He played at centre in the 1989 and 1990 Grand Final wins and at five eighth in the 1994 Grand Final victory. No Raider has made more finals appearances. No Raider has won more club Player of the Year awards - five. He was the Dally M Player of the Year in 1995 and the Super League Player of the Year in 1997 - playing both seasons at five eighth. He is just one of two Raiders players to captain Australia, along with Mal Meninga. He is also one of seven Raiders inducted to the NRL Hall of Fame. A true legend of the club. The readers of The Greenhouse have selected him at five eighth in the 25, 30 and 35 year dream teams.

Raiders record: 1987-2000, 244 games, 87 tries, 44 goals, nine field goals, 445 points
173 games at five eighth, 48 at centre, nine at lock, six at fullback, one at halfback, seven off the bench
Three premierships, four grand finals, 27 finals matches
17 finals games at five eighth, including the 1991 and 1994 grand finals. Seven finals games at centre, including the 1989 and 1990 grand finals. One finals game at five eighth, one at halfback
Six World Club Challenge matches
Dally M Player of the Year 1995
Rugby League Week Player of the Year 1995
Super League Player of the Year 1997
Silver Dally M 1996
Dally M Captain of the Year 1996
Provan Summons Medal 1996
Dally M Five eighth of the Year 1995
Raiders Player of the Year 1990, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999
Raiders Best Player 1988, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000
Raiders Clubman of the Year 1997
First for most Raiders Player of the Year awards: Five
First for most finals appearances for the club: 27
Third for most games for the club: 244
Fourth for most tries for the club: 87
NRL Hall of Fame
Canberra Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record: 1990-1999 Australia, 26 games, including five Super League Tests and five World Cup games
1993, 1997-1998 Australia captain
1989-1999 New South Wales, 26 games, including three with Super League
1988-1996 NSW Country, seven games

Halfback

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Ricky Stuart: Queanbeyan born, Ricky Stuart joined the Canberra Raiders in 1988, after playing both rugby codes as a junior. He made his first grade debut in the Round 11 clash with the Broncos at Lang Park. He played his first three matches off the bench, but scored two tries in his first game at starting half. He never played off the Raiders' bench again. He went on to play in four grand finals and win three premierships in green. It might have been four, had he not suffered a serious injury late in 1993. He was in the best form of his life, but had to accept his Player of the Year awards on crutches. With him, the Raiders were on course to another grand final win, but not without him. That's how important Stuart was to the Green Machine. He reached the highest representative honours, but doubtless should have more games in green and gold. Three times Canberra Raiders Player of the Year, Dally M Medalist, Clive Churchill Medalist and a member of the NRL Hall of Fame. One of the greats of the club.

Raiders record: 1988-1998, 203 games, 39 tries, seven goals, 25 field goals, 195 points
195 games at halfback, five at five eighth, three off the bench
Four grand finals, three premierships. 24 finals games, all at halfback
Six World Club Challenge games
Dally M Player of the Year 1993
NSWRL Best and Fairest Medal 1993
Dally M Halfback of the Year 1990, 1993
Clive Churchill Medal 1990
Provan Summons Medal 1993
Raiders Player of the Year 1988, 1992, 1993
Raiders Best Player 1992, 1993
Raiders Clubman of the Year 1995
Raiders Sponsors' Award 1991
NRL Hall of Fame
Canberra Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record: 1990-1994 Australia, nine games, including two World Cup games
1990-1994 New South Wales, 14 games
1991 NSW Country, one game

Props

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Glenn Lazarus: Born in Queanbeyan, "The Brick with Eyes" made his first grade debut for the Raiders in Round 21 clash with the Magpies in 1987 at the age of 23. Two of his three games in his debut season were the finals wins over the Rabbitohs and Roosters. He went on to win two premierships and play in three grand finals with the club. After the salary cap dramas of 1991, he was poached by the Brisbane Broncos - winning two premierships, in 1992-93 with the Queensland club. His move to the Storm produced more premiership success in 1999. Over his career, he played 23 Tests and six World Cup games for Australia and 22 games for New South Wales. The readers of The Greenhouse have voted him in at prop in the past three Canberra Raiders Dream Teams. He was named in the official list of the top 25 players on the occasion of the club's 25th anniversary. He was also named at prop in the club's 20 Years Greatest Ever Team.

Raiders record: 1987-1991, 92 games, 10 tries, 40 points
85 games at prop, seven off the bench
Two premierships, three grand finals, four preliminary finals, 15 finals, 12 at prop, three on the bench
Raiders Players' Player 1988
Raiders Most Consistent Player 1990
Raiders Hall of Fame
NRL Hall of Fame

Representative record*: 1990-1991 Australia, 11 games, including three World Cup games
1990-1991 New South Wales, five games
1989-1990 NSW City, two games
1991 NSW Country, one game
1988 Australian President's XIII, one game against Great Britain
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

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Josh Papalii: Born in Auckland, Papalii played his junior football with Logan Brothers, south of Brisbane, before heading to the national capital. He played for the Raiders' NYC team in 2010-2011 - making his NRL debut in Round 10 of 2011 in Melbourne against the Storm. He's gone on to become one of the all time greats of the club. He is the club's fourth most capped player of all time. He has been one of the best second rowers in the world - and that is where he's played most games for the club. But since switching to the middle, he's been even more dominant, named the Dally M Prop of the Year in 2020. He has played as many finals games at prop as in the second row for the club - and played at prop in the 2019 grand final. He has won the Meninga Medal four times - with only Laurie Daley awarded more Player of the Year awards at the club (five). He is the most successful representative Raiders player of the past two decades. The members of The Greenhouse voted Papalii into the 35 Year Dream Team for the first time - in the second row. He was also named at prop in The Greenhouse 2010s Team of the Decade.

Raiders record: 2011-2021, 239 games, 56 tries, 224 points
61 games at prop, 132 in the second row, 19 at lock, 27 off the bench
One grand final, three preliminary finals, 11 finals games, five at prop, five in the second row, one of the bench
Dally M Prop of the Year 2020
Dally M Tackle of the Year 2020, for a tackle on Titans half Jamal Fogarty
Meninga Medal 2016 (shared with Josh Hodgson), 2018, 2019, 2020 (shared with Jack Wighton)
Canberra Raiders Fans' Choice Player of the Year 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 (shared with Jack Wighton, Elliott Whitehead and George Williams)
Fourth most games for club - 239

Representative record: 2013-2018 Australia, 11 games, including four World Cup games
2017 Samoa, four games, all World Cup games
2013-2021 Queensland, 20 games
2013-2014 Prime Minister's XIII, two games

Hooker

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Steve Walters: Steve Walters was the prototype of the modern rugby league hooker forward. He joined the Raiders in 1986, from Brisbane Norths. He went on to make five grand final appearances and win three premierships in green. Only he and Mal Meninga have played in five grand finals for the club. He won the Rugby League Week Player of the Year, Raiders Player of the Year and Dally M Hooker of the Year while at the club. He represented both Queensland and Australia multiple times during his time in Canberra. He joined the Cowboys in 1997, and made three Super League appearances for both Australia and Queensland in that year. He joined the Knights in 1999, but retired mid season due to a knee injury. Many commentators thought he was unjustly overlooked in the Team of the Century, which was named in 2008 to celebrate the game's first 100 years. Walters has been voted in at hooker by the readers of The Greenhouse in the 25, 30 and 35 Year Dream Teams. In 2007 he was also voted as the fifth greatest Raider of all time by The Greenhouse members. He was named at hooker in the official greatest ever team on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the club. He was also on the official list of the best 25 players in the club's first 25 years. He has been inducted into both the NRL and Raiders Hall of Fame.

Raiders record: 1986-1996, 228 games, 41 tries, 164 points
221 games at hooker, two at second row, five off the bench
Five grand finals, three premierships, 26 finals matches, all at hooker
Rugby League Week Player of the Year 1993
Dally M Hooker of the Year 1990, 1993, 1995
Raiders Player of the Year 1991
Raiders Best Player 1991
Raiders Most Consistent Player 1993
Fifth most first grade games - 228
NRL Hall of Fame
Canberra Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record*: 1991-1994 Australia, 17 games, including four World Cup games
1990-1996 Queensland, 14 games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

Second rowers

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Ruben Wiki: Born in Auckland, Ruben Wiki joined the Raiders in 1993 from the Otahuhu Leopards. He would become one of the most loved Canberra players of all time. He quickly formed a blockbusting centre partnership with Mal Meninga - and won his only title in green in the No. 4 jersey. He made his first appearance in the second row in 1998 and had mostly tranisitoned to the forwards by 1999. Wiki left the club for the Warriors at the end of 2004 - after some highly emotional farewells. Despite having suffered a serious ankle injury in his last game in Canberra, he famously took the field one last time for the Raiders, in a finals game against the Roosters at the Sydney Football Stadium. His inspirational effort was sadly not enough to get them over the line. It later transpired the New Zealand outfit had cheated the salary cap to poach Wiki. He played 87 games in four seasons with the Warriors. By the time he retired, he'd set the record for the most Test appearances for the Kiwis (55). Wiki has been included in the second row in the 25, 30 and 35 Year Dream Teams by the members of The Greenhouse. He was voted into The Greenhouse's top 10 Raiders of all time, ranking seventh, in 2007. He was included at prop in the 2000s Raiders Team of the Decade by The Greenhouse members - and in the club's official Team of the Decade 2000-2009.

Raiders record: 1993-2004, 224 games, 60 tries, 240 points
97 games in the second row, 91 at centre, 19 at prop, one on the wing, 16 off the bench
One premiership, one grand final, two preliminary finals, 14 finals games, seven at centre, six in the second row and one off the bench
Raiders Player of the Year 2002, 2003
Raiders Clubman of the Year 1998, 2001
Raiders Sponsors Award 1996
Fans' Choice Player of the Year 2004
Seventh most games played for the club - 224
Twice scored four tries in a game - 1994 V Knights, 1996 V Cowboys
NRL Hall of Fame

Representative record*: 1994-2004 New Zealand, 43 games, including nine World Cup games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

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David Furner: Born in Queanbeyan, the son of the club's inaugural coach, Don, David Furner made his first grade debut for the Raiders in Round 2 of 1992 against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval. He went on to play exactly 200 games, win a premiership and take out the Clive Churchill Medal for the best player of the 1994 grand final. A goal kicker, he left the club as the game's highest point scoring forward - and his points record has only been surpassed by Jarrod Croker. He headed to England in 2001, and played 110 games in Super League with Wigan and Leeds. The members of The Greenhouse voted Furner into the 25 and 30 Year Dream Teams in the second row - and onto the bench in the 35 Year Dream Team. In 2007, The Greenhouse members also voted him into the top 10 greatest Raiders - ranking ninth. The club named him at second row in the 20 Years Greatest Ever Team and the Team of the Decade 2000-2009. He was also included in the top 25 players on the occasion of the club's 25th anniversary.

Raiders record: 1992-2000, 200 games, 49 tries, 511 goals, 1218 points
171 games in the second row, 18 at lock, two at prop, one at hooker, eight off the bench
One premiership, one grand final, 15 finals games, 13 in the second row, two off the bench
Clive Churchill Medal 1994
12th for most games for the club - 200
Second for most points for the club - 1218
Second for most goals for the club - 511
10th and 11th for most points in a season for the club - 198 in 1995 and 196 in 1994
Most goals for the club in a match - 10 against the Eels at Canberra Stadium, August 22, 1993
Raiders Best Player 1998
Raiders Clubman of the Year 1994
Raiders Sponsors Award 1992

Representative record: 1994-1997 Australia, three games
1996-2000 New South Wales, 11 games
1996 NSW Country, one game

Lock

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Bradley Clyde: A junior with Belconnen, Brad Clyde made the Australian Schoolboys team - and was named as the player of the series on the tour to England in 1987. He went on to become the epitome of an attacking lock forward. He made his debut in 1988 with the Raiders and was named the club's Rookie of the Year. He played in three grand finals and won two premierships. He won the Clive Churchill Medal twice as best player in the Grand Final. He was one of the few players to win the Churchill Medal on a losing team in 1991. He easily could have won another premiership in 1990, but for an ACL injury. He played for the Blues and Kangaroos and was twice Dally M Lock of the Year. Salary cap pressures saw him move to the Bulldogs in 1999 (36 games, 1999-2000). He finished his career in England, playing 16 games for Leeds in 2001. He has been voted in at lock in the 25, 30 and 35 Year Dream Teams by the readers of The Greenhouse. The Greenhouse members have also voted him at No. 4 in the Top Ten Raiders of all time in 2007. He was named in the club's top 25 players on the occasion of the club's 25th anniversary and included at lock in the Canberra Raiders' official 20 Years Greatest Ever Team. He has been inducted into the Hall of Fame by both the NRL and the Raiders.

Raiders record: 1988-1998, 178 games, 38 tries, 152 points
142 games at lock, 21 in the second row, four at prop, four at centre, seven off the bench
Two premierships, three grand finals, 23 finals games, 18 at lock, three in the second row, one at centre, one off the bench
Clive Churchill Medal 1989, 1991
Dally M Lock of the Year 1989, 1990
Provan Summons Medal 1994
Raiders Player of the Year 1989
Raiders Players' Player 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998
Raiders Best Player 1989
Raiders Rookie of the Year 1988
NRL Hall of Fame
Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record: 1989-1997 Australia, 21 games, including five World Cup games
1989-1997 New South Wales, 14 games
1989-90 NSW City, two games
1992-1994 NSW Country, two games

Bench

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Jack Wighton - Jack Wighton hails from Orange - and came through the Raiders junior ranks before making his NRL debut in 2012. He started in the outside backs, before shifting to fullback. He shifted position again in 2019 - to five eighth. He's one of three Raiders to ever win the Dally M Player of the Year - and one of four to win the Clive Churchill Medal, for the best player in a Grand Final. He shared the Meninga Medal and Fans' Choice Player of the Year in 2020. He played at five eighth when winning all of those awards. He was selected by the readers of The Greenhouse at fullback in the Canberra Raiders team of the 2010s.

Raiders record: 2012-2021, 199 games, 64 tries, 256 points
85 games at fullback, 78 at five eighth, 21 at centre, 14 on the wing, one at halfback
One grand final, nine finals matches. Six finals matches at five eighth, including the 2019 grand final. Three finals games at fullback, one at centre
Meninga Medal 2020, shared with Josh Papalii
Fans' Choice Player of the Year 2020, shared with Josh Papalii, Elliott Whitehead and George Williams
Raiders Coaches Award 2015
Raiders NYC Player of the Year 2011
Dally M Player of the Year 2020
Dally M Five eighth of the Year 2020
Clive Churchill Medal 2019

Representative record: 2019 Australia, two games
2019-21 New South Wales, nine games
2013-2016 NSW Country, four games
2013-2020 Indigenous All Stars, five games
2015 Prime Minister's XIII, one game

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Jason Croker: Born in Crookwell, Jason Croker is the most capped Raider of all time. He has played in just about every position on the field in green. He's played most games at lock, but he's also played in the second row, at five eighth, in the centres and on the wing. He played in the second row in the 1994 premiership winning team. He held the club record for most tries for a long time - until he was recently overtaken by Jarrod Croker. He also shared the club record for most tries in a season (22) for over 20 years - until Jordan Rapana came along in 2016 (23). He was also a good ball player - very good for a forward - and tough as nails. In 2001, he famously played for the entire second half with a torn cruciate ligament in one knee and an ankle ligament strain in his other leg. The Raiders were out of replacements, but they scored 22 unanswered points in the second half to secure an unlikely come from behind win. Croker was unlucky not to make the 1994 Kangaroos Tour, but later represented both Australia and New South Wales. He was given the keys to the city after his last game in Canberra in 2006, and he headed to France, playing 62 with Les Catalans in Super League over three seasons. The readers of The Greenhouse voted him into the 25 and 30 Year Dream Teams on the bench, and into the top 25 players on the occasion of the 35th anniversary. He was also voted into the 2000s Team of the Decade in the second row. In 2007, The Greenhouse members voted him into the top 10 greatest Raiders, at eighth. The club named him in the top 25 players at the time of the 25th anniversary and at second row in the 20 years greatest ever team - as well as the Team of the Decade 2000-2009.

Raiders record: 1991-2006, 318 games, 120 tries, one goal, 482 points
108 at lock, 57 at five eighth, 49 in the second row, 48 at centre, 44 on the wing, one at prop, one at fullback, 10 off the bench
One premiership, one grand final, in the second row, 16 finals games, seven in the second row, four at centre, three at lock, two at five eighth
Dally M Lock of the Year 2000
Raiders Player of the Year 2000
Raiders Players' Player 1993, 1999, 2000
Raiders Coaches Award 2004
Raiders Rookie of the Year 1991
Raiders Best Player 1999
Raiders Sponsors Award 1998
Raiders Most Consistent Player 1994
Most games for the club - 318
Second most tries for the club - 120
Seventh most points for the club - 482
Second most tries in a season for the club - 22 in 1994
Twice scored four tries in a game, against Sharks at Cronulla, August 14, 1993 and against Bears at Canberra Stadium, August 7, 1999
Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record: 2000 Australia, five games, including four World Cup games
1993-2001 New South Wales, five games
1994-2001 NSW Country, three games

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Sam Backo: Born in Ingham, "Slammin" Sam Backo first started playing in Canberra for the Woden Valley Rams, before the Raiders were admitted to the competition. He came back to Canberra to play for the Raiders in 1983. He made his debut in green in the Round 3 clash with the North Sydney Bears at Seiffert Oval - off the bench. He made only seven appearances that year, and only gradually became a regular fixture in the first grade team. As is often the case, it takes time for a prop to develop. But he became one of the best Raiders props of all time. Backo on the burst was a sight to behold. He appeared in the club's first grand final in 1987 and was named the Dally M Prop of the Year in 1988. He was enticed away by the Brisbane Broncos for their inaugural season in 1989 - so, sadly, he missed premiership glory. He played six Tests for Australia, two World Cup games and seven matches for Queensland in his career. Backo has been voted in at starting prop by the readers of The Greenhouse in the three previous Canberra Raiders Dream Teams. He was named among the club's official list of the top 25 players on the occasion of the 25th anniversary.

Raiders record: 1983-1988, 114 games, 15 tries, 60 points
72 games at prop, 33 in the second row, nine off the bench
One grand final, six finals games, all at prop
Dally M Prop of the Year 1988
Indigenous Team of the Century, named in 2008

Raiders record*: 1988 Australia, four games, Including one World Cup game
1988 Rest of the World, against Great Britain, one game
1988 Queensland, three games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

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John Lomax: Born in Wellington, John Lomax was one the players brought to the Green Machine by coach Tim Sheens - in his effort to rebuild the club after the squad was torn apart by the salary cap dramas of 1991. He made his first grade debut in Round 1 of 1993 - and went on to play 20 matches and debut for the Kiwis in that year. He was the Raiders' Player of the Year in 1994, but missed the Grand Final victory over the Bulldogs due to suspension. He was sent off in the Preliminary Final win over the Bears for a high tackle - opening the way for Paul Osborne's starring role in the decider. He joined Tim Sheens at the Cowboys, playing 44 games for North Queensland. A last hurrah at the Storm saw him play three final NRL games in 2000. During his career, he played 16 Tests for New Zealand. The readers of The Greenhouse have included Lomax on the bench in the past two Canberra Raiders Dream Teams.

Raiders record: 1993-1996, 65 games, three tries, one goal, 14 points
62 games at prop, one in the second row, two off the bench
Two preliminary finals, eight finals games, all at prop
Raiders Player of the Year 1994
Raiders Best Player 1994

Representative record*: 1993-1995 New Zealand, 14 games, including one World Cup game
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

Coach

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Tim Sheens: Tim Sheens played 166 games with the Penrith Panthers between 1970 and 1982, mostly at prop. He took over as the coach of the Panthers in 1984, and lifted a young Panthers team to seventh on the ladder in his first season as coach, winning the Dally M Coach of the Year in the process. He then coached the team to Penrith's first ever finals appearance in 1985. He had a 44 per cent win rate in his four seasons as coach at the Panthers (98 games, 1984-1987). He joined the Raiders in 1988 and went on to coach the club to its first ever premiership - in the greatest grand final of all time. He took the team to four grand finals in total, and won three titles. He was named the Dally M Coach of the Year in 1990. He left for the North Queensland Cowboys after the 1996 season - but it was not a successful move (1997-2001, 103 games, 26 per cent success rate). He joined the Wests Tigers in 2003 and coached the club to the 2005 premiership (2003-2012, 259 games, 49 per cent win rate). He has coached New South Wales in one series, while at the Raiders. He later coached Australia (2009-2015) in 31 Tests, winning 26 and drawing one.

Raiders record: 1988-1996, 219 premiership games, 148 wins, three draws, 68 losses, 68 per cent win rate
Four grand finals, three premierships, 22 finals games, eight finals series
Dally M Coach of the Year 1990
Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record*: 1991 New South Wales, three matches, one win, two losses
1991 NSW City, one game, one win
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

Top 30 squad



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Terry Campese: Born in Queanbeyan, Terry Campese came through the Raiders' junior ranks before making his NRL debut in 2004. He played only a handful of first grade games in 2004 and 2005 - and only started to become a regular in the NRL team in 2007. He produced two of the most purple patches of form seen in modern rugby league in 2008 and 2010 - and carried the Raiders to the finals in both seasons. He was unfairly denied the Dally M Five Eighth of the Year award in 2008, when he finished equal fourth in the medal count - and ahead of Greg Inglis, the player who was awarded best five eighth. He scored an incredible 36 points in a clash with the Panthers in 2008 - and only two players, Dave Brown (45 and 38 points in 1935) and Mal Meninga (38 points in 1990) have scored more in a match. Campese had the chance of matching Meninga in that game, but the final goal attempt was handed to rookie Marc Herbert by captain Alan Tongue, as a reward for the youngster. He suffered an ACL injury in the narrow finals loss to the Tigers in 2010. But for that injury, it was a game and season that could easily have finished with a different result. He was unfortunately affected by knee problems through his remaining time with the club.

Raiders record: 2004-2014, 139 games, 24 tries, 124 goals, one field goal, 345 points
124 games at five eighth, nine at halfback, one at lock, five off the bench
Three finals games, all at five eighth
Ken Stephen Medal 2013
Raiders Fred Daly Clubman of the Year 2008
Fans' Choice Player of the Year 2008
Raiders Junior Representative Player of the Year 2003
Equal first most goals in a game: 10 V Penrith, Canberra Stadium, August 10, 2008
Second most points in a game: 36 (4T, 10G) V Penrith, Canberra Stadium, August 10, 2008
Scored four tries in a game: four V Penrith, Canberra Stadium, August 10, 2008

Representative record: 2008 Australia, one game
2009 New South Wales, one game
2009 NSW Country, one game
2008-2009 Prime Minister's XIII, two games

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Gary Coyne: Born in Ipswich, Gary Coyne played for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in Queensland (1983-1985), before being recruited to the Raiders for the 1986 season. He went on to win two premierships and play in four grand finals in green. Many thought he should have been selected for the 1990 Kangaroos tour, but he was overlooked. He still played twice for Australia and 11 times for Queensland. He was tough and nuggety, but he also knew his way to the try line. He scored a record four tries in a finals game - for a forward - against the Sea Eagles in 1991. He was named as one of the Raiders' best 25 players on the occasion of the club's 25th anniversary.

Raiders record: 1986-1992, 159 games, 28 tries, 112 points
107 games in the second row, 37 games at prop, one at lock, 14 off the bench
Two premierships, four grand finals, 17 finals games, all in the second row
Raiders Most Consistent Player 1987, 1989
Four tries in a game, against Sea Eagles, Sydney Football Stadium, September 7, 1991
Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record: 1991 Australia, two games, including one World Cup game
1989-1992 Queensland, 11 games

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Josh Hodgson: Josh Hodgson played 136 games in Super League for Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers - before being recruited to the Raiders for the 2015 season. He was the start of a wave of successful English recruits for the Raiders. Hodgson quickly became one of the leading hookers in the NRL - and at times challenged for the title of the best dummy half in the world. He has regularly represented England and Great Britain from the club. However, in an era largely dominated by Cameron Smith, he has not yet taken a Dally M Hooker of the Year award. Unfortunately, he missed about half of the 2018 and 2020 seasons due ACL injuries. He is just one of two hookers to wear green in a Grand Final. He was voted by the readers of The Greenhouse into the 35 Year Dream Team on the bench - and at hooker in the Raiders Team of the 2010s.

Raiders record: 2015-2021, 137 games, 14 tries, 56 points
133 games at hooker, one at lock, three off the bench
One grand final, six finals games, all at hooker
Meninga Medal, 2016, shared with Josh Papalii
Canberra Raiders Fans' Choice Player of the Year 2015

Representative record*: 2015-2018 England, 17 games, including four World Cup games
2019 Great Britain Lions, four games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

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Peter Jackson: Peter Jackson, born in Brisbane, played with Brisbane Souths before he was recruited to the Raiders on a two year deal, starting in 1987. He had just broken into the Maroons' ranks, playing one game for Queensland in 1986. He was a regular selection for Queensland while with the Raiders, and was selected for Australia from the club in 1988. Jackson was a key player in the club's charge to its first grand final, partnering Mal Meninga in the centres in the 1987 decider. He was poached by Wayne Bennett, joining the Brisbane Broncos in 1989 (29 games, 1989-90), before heading to the North Sydney Bears (31 games, 1991-1993). He also played 20 games for Leeds, in England, during the off season while with Canberra. He played a total of nine Tests for Australia and 16 games for Queensland. Jackson was voted in at centre in the 25 and 30 Year Dream Teams by the members of the Greenhouse. He was included in the club's official list of the 25 best players of the Raiders' first 25 years and named at centre in the Canberra Raiders' official 20 Years Greatest Ever Team.

Raiders record: 1987-1988, 43 games, 15 tries, six goals, 72 points
42 games at centre, one at five eighth
One grand final, six finals games, all at centre

Representative record*: 1988 Australia, four games, including one World Cup game
1987-1988 Queensland, seven games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

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Dean Lance: Before coming to the Raiders, Dean Lance played 40 first grade games - at centre or five eighth - for the Newtown Jets over two seasons (1982-1983). He played most of his games in green at lock - including the 1987 and 1990 grand finals. However, he mostly played in the second row in his two premiership seasons, including the club's first grand final victory in 1989. He played at lock in the 1990 winning grand final, after Brad Clyde was ruled out late in the season with an ACL. Lance was not a big forward, but he was mobile and tough - and he sure could tackle. He'll long be remembered for his big hit on Steve Roach in the 1989 premiership decider. He was appointed captain of the Raiders in 1986. And while the captaincy was passed to Mal Meninga during the 1989 season, he was still seen as a leader of the club. The readers of The Greenhouse voted him into the top squad of 25, as part of selecting the 35 Year Dream Team. He was also included in the official top 25 players on the occasion of the club's 25th anniversary. He will qualify for a nomination at lock.

Raiders record: 1984-1990, 160 games, two tries, eight points
108 games at lock, 43 in the second row, three at centre, two at hooker, one at five eighth, three off the bench
Two premierships, three grand finals, 13 finals games, eight at lock, five in the second row
Raiders Players' Player 1990
Raiders Clubman of the Year 1984, 1988
Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record: Nil

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Brett Mullins: Speedster Brett Mullins rose from the Raiders' junior ranks to become one of the club's top try scorers of all time. He scored 105 tries - one of only three Raiders to score more than 100 four pointers. He and his father Bill became the first father-son combination to score more than a century of tries. At times, the things he did on the field were exhilarating - such as the "miracle try" scored against the Broncos one night at Canberra Statdium. That double kick and chase has gone down in Raiders folklore. He memorably scored four long range tries against the Knights at Newcastle in 1994. He went to England to play with Leeds in the 2001 season. He then linked with Ricky Stuart and the Roosters in 2002 for a premiership winning season, playing mostly on the wing. In these polls, Mullins is also eligible for nomination at centre, but not on the wing. He made the 25 year Dream Team on the bench, but has not featured in the top 17 since. He won the Dally M Fullback of the Year once, in 1994.

Raiders record: 1990-2000, 183 games, 105 tries, 420 points
113 games at fullback, 48 at centre, 12 at winger, 10 off the bench
One premiership, one grand final, 17 finals matches. Eight finals games at fullback, including the 1994 grand final. Eight finals games at centre and one on the wing.
Raiders Sponsors Award 1994
Dally M Fullback of the Year 1994
Third most tries: 105, 1990-2000
Equal second for most tries in a season: 22, 1994
Twice scored four tries in a game: four V South Sydney, Sydney Football Stadium, July 24, 1994
four V Newcastle, Newcastle, July 29, 1994
Ninth most points: 420 (105T) 1990-2000

Representative record: 1994-1997 Australia nine games, including three with Super League
1994-1997 New South Wales seven games, including two with Super League
1992-1996 NSW Country four games

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Noa Nadruku: Tim Sheens spotted Noa Nadruku when he played for Fiji in the 1993 Rugby League World Sevens in Sydney. He was immediately invited to train with the club and made his first grade debut off the bench in the Round 2 clash with the Panthers. He went on to score 22 tries in his first season, setting a new club record. He was Dally M Winger of the Year and Top Tryscorer of the Year in both 1993 and 1996. He was a big, powerful runner and at times was unstoppable. He was part of the 1994 grand final winning team, widely regarded as one of the best club teams of all time. An off field incident led to his contract being terminated after the 1997 season, and he finished his career with the North Queensland Cowboys (39 games, 1998-1999). The readers of The Greenhouse have voted him into the 25, 30 and 35 Year Dream Teams on the wing. He was included in the club's official list of the 25 Best Players on the occasion of the 25th anniversary.

Raiders record: 1993-1997, 92 games, 73 tries, 292 points
86 games on the wing, four at centre, one at fullback, one off the bench
One premiership, one grand final, three preliminary finals, 12 finals games, all on the wing
Dally M Winger of the Year 1993, 1996
Dally M Top Tryscorer 1993, 1996
Raiders Players' Player 1996
Raiders Sponsors Award 1993
Seventh for most tries for the club - 73
Equal second for most tries in a season for the club - 22 in 1993
Equal fifth for most tries in a season for the club - 21 in 1996
Scored four tries in a game against South Queensland Crushers, Lang Park, September 1, 1996

Representative record: 1994-1997 Fiji, five games, including three World Cup games

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Ken Nagas: Born in Bundaberg, Queensland, the fleet footed Ken Nagas played his junior football in Kyogle, New South Wales. He made his first grade debut in green in 1992 and went on to play on the wing in the 1994 premiership winning side - scoring two tries. Knee problems led to his retirement in 2002. He was included in the top 25 Canberra Raiders of all time on the 35th anniversary of the club by the readers of The Greenhouse - as well as the team of the decade for the 2000s on the wing. He was named on the wing in the club's official Team of the Decade 2000-2009.

Raiders record: 1992-2002, 142 games, 59 tries, one goal, 238 points
69 games on the wing, 42 at fullback, 19 at centre, 12 off the bench
One premiership, one grand final, 14 finals matches. Seven finals games on the wing, including the 1994 grand final. Six finals games at fullback, one on the bench.
Raiders Sponsors Award 1997
Scored four tries in a game against the South Queensland Crushers, Bruce Stadium, August 27, 1995

Representative record: 1997 Australia five games, all with Super League
1994-1997 New South Wales five games, three with Super League
1994 NSW Country one game

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Chris O'Sullivan: Canberra born, Chris O'Sullivan was a member of the inaugural Raiders squad in 1982 - making his debut in the Round 4 clash with the Bulldogs at Seiffert Oval. He finished the year as they club's leading try scorer. He was there for club's journey from the bottom to to the top. He had more games in green at halfback, but mostly played at five eighth from 1987. He wore the No. 6 in the club's first grand final in 1987, and partnered Ricky Stuart in the halves in the grand final victories of 1989 and 1990. He scored the Raiders' only try of the 1987 grand final. In the 1989 decider, he put up the bomb which produced John Ferguson's match levelling try - and scored a critical field goal in extra time, which put the Raiders in front. He headed to England after the end of the 1990 season - and returned for one final year with the Raiders in 1992. O'Sullivan was twice the Raiders' Player of the Year (1984-1985) and an inaugural inductee into the Raiders Hall of Fame. He was included on the bench by the readers of The Greenhouse in both the 25 and 30 Dream Teams.

Raiders record: 1982-1992, 202 games, 63 tries, 13 goals, 10 field goals, 276 points
108 games at halfback, 78 at five eighth, one at lock, 15 off the bench
Three grand finals, two premierships, 11 finals matches, all at five eighth
Raiders Player of the Year 1984, 1985
Raiders Clubman of the Year 1987
Raiders Most Consistent Player 1983
Raiders Most Improved Player 1982
Tenth for most games for the club: 202
Canberra Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record: 1984 NSW City, one game
1985 Australian President's XIII, one game against Papua New Guinea
1988 NSW Country, one game

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Quentin Pongia: Quentin Pongia had three games for New Zealand under his belt, before coming to Australia and its national capital in 1993. He made his debut in green in Round 1 of that year, against the Dragons at what was then known as Bruce Stadium. He went on to be a key member of the 1994 premiership winning team. He left the Raiders to join the Auckland Warriors (18 games) in 1998 - and subsequently played for the Roosters (43 games) between 1999-2001 and the Dragons (two games) in 2003. Over his career he played 35 games for New Zealand. He was a member of the Raiders' coaching staff in 2009-2010. He sadly passed, after fighting cancer, at the age of 48 in 2019.

Raiders record: 1993-1997, 74 games, three tries, 12 points
47 games at prop, 21 in the second row, six off the bench
One premiership, one grand final, one preliminary final, 10 finals games, eight at prop, two in the second row
Raiders Sponsors Award 1995

Representative record:* 1993-1997 New Zealand, 24 games, including four World Cup games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

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Clinton Schifcofske: Clinton Schifcofske joined the Canberra Raiders in 2001, after stints with the South Queensland Crushers and the Parramatta Eels. The goal kicker broke a host of of point scoring records and was known for his footwork, the "Schif Shuffle". His field goals won more than one golden point match. He missed the 2005 Fans' Choice Player of the Year award on count back - and would have shared the award on current rules. He became the captain in 2006, the only player to lead the club from the back. That year, he won the Dally M Fullback of the Year. He left at the end of 2006, with the departure of coach Matthew Elliott triggering a release clause in his contract.

Raiders record: 2001-2006, 139 games, 44 tries, 432 goals, 12 field goals, 1052 points
139 games at fullback
Five finals matches, all at fullback
Raiders Player of the Year 2001, 2004
Raiders Players' Player 2001
Raiders Coaches Award 2003, 2006
Dally M Fullback of the Year 2006
Equal third for most goals in a match: nine V St George Illawarra, Canberra Stadium, April 2, 2005
Fifth for most points in a match: 23 (2T, 7G, 1FG) V Newcastle, Canberra Stadium, March 19, 2005
Second for most points in a season: 245 (10T, 102G, 1FG), 2001
Also scored 222 points in 2003 (8T, 94G, 2FG)
Third for most points: 1,052 (44T, 432G, 12FG), 2001-2006

Representative record: 2002-2006 Queensland two games
2005 Prime Minister's XIII one game

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David Shillington: Born in Brisbane, David Shillington made his NRL debut with the Roosters in 2005, making 73 appearances in four seasons. He was recruited to the Raiders on a four year deal, commencing in 2009. He played 131 games for the club, and represented both Queensland and Australia from the Green Machine. He had his finest season in 2010, when he won the Meninga Medal and was named the Dally M Prop of the Year. He is one of only three Raiders to win Prop of the Year, alongside Sam Backo and Josh Papalii. He headed to the Titans after the 2015 season, but played only 11 games for the Gold Coast, before retiring early in 2017. The members of The Greenhouse voted him in at prop in the Canberra Raiders 2010s Team of the Decade.

Raiders record: 2009-2015, 131 games, five tries, 20 points
117 games at prop, 14 off the bench
Four finals games, all at prop
Dally M Prop of the Year 2010
Meninga Medal 2010
Raiders Clubman of the Year 2011
Raiders Coaches Award 2014

Representative record: 2009-2012 Australia, 14 games
2009-2012 Queensland, eight games
2010-2013 All Stars, two games
2009-2013 Prime Ministers' XIII, three games

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Alan Tongue: Born in Tamworth, Alan Tongue made his NRL debut with the Raiders in Round 7 of 2000 against the Broncos. He spent a number of years as a bench specialist, before becoming a regular in the squad at lock. He was a renowned tackler, and went on to captain the side in 2007. He was named the Dally M Lock of the Year in 2008 and won the Raiders' Player of the Year in 2006. He retired as one of the Raiders' most loved players - because he gave so much of himself to the club, the supporters and the community... and because he made the very best of his talents through hard work and dedication. The readers of The Greenhouse voted Tongue into the top 25 players on the 35th anniversary of the club. He was named at lock in The Greenhouse Canberra Raiders 2000s Team of the Decade and on the bench in the 2010s Team of the Decade. He was selected at lock in the club's official Team of the Decade 2000-2009.

Raiders record: 2000-2011, 220 games, 31 tries, 125 points
76 games at lock, 50 at hooker, nine in the second row, one at five eighth, 82 off the bench
Six finals games, two at lock, four off the bench
Dally M Lock of the Year 2008
Dally M Captain of the Year 2008
Raiders Player of the Year 2006
Canberra Raiders Fans' Choice Player of the Year 2006, 2007
Raiders Clubman of the Year 2003
Raiders Rookie of the Year 2000
Eighth for most games for the club - 220

Representative record: 2009 NSW Country, one game
2008 Prime Minister's XIII, one game
The Greenhouse score update service
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Matt
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by Matt »

I'm happy with that 17
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dubby
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by dubby »

Its a fantastic team. Some incredible players.

I still wrestle with some selections, however the people have spoken.

We have had some bloody wonderful players and we should be very proud.
The spiral of silence refers to the idea that when people fail to speak, the price of speaking rises. As the price to speak rises, still fewer speak out, which further causes the price to rise, so that fewer people yet will speak out, until a whole culture or nation is silenced. This is what happened in Germany.

If you do not speak, you are not being neutral, but are contributing to the success of the thing you refuse to name and condemn.
denissnowy
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by denissnowy »

It's interesting, but not unexpected, that only one player (by my count) didn't play in a gf for the Raiders and he only missed out through suspension.

So in between the golden era and the recent successful era there wasn't one player that made the cut as an out an out star in that 20 year period. Will be interesting to see if any make the 30 man squad. Campo, Monas, Shillo probably come into the reckoning but might just as easily lose out to others from the successful eras that didn't make the 17.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by greeneyed »

The reaction from some (many) on Facebook is dispiriting. There's a lot of outrage that player x or y didn't make it... Most, clearly, have not participated, nor read anything about how the team was developed and selected. But I found the exercise to be an enjoyable one. We've looked at the careers of hundreds of players in constructing the polls and lots of people have constructively participated. It's not exactly the team I'd have selected, but it is a great team, recognises a lot of great players. A good celebration of the club in my view.
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zim
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by zim »

The problem is the group, not the team. Moderate the problems out of the group. Don't put yourself through their nonsense.
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greeneyed
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by greeneyed »

The discussion is happening on the page, not in the group. Clearly, there’s a lot of people now responding who don’t even follow The GH or the Raiders. We’ve got people saying Kevin Walters should be picked at five eighth so Daley can be shifted to centre. And worse. I did expect it. But it makes me a bit sad.
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Crash Ball
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by Crash Ball »

Thanks for running it Greeneyed, I enjoyed it a lot.
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bonehead
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by bonehead »

Campo and O'Sullivan both so much in front of Kevin Walters as a raider

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zim
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by zim »

greeneyed wrote: January 6, 2022, 4:12 pm The discussion is happening on the page, not in the group. Clearly, there’s a lot of people now responding who don’t even follow The GH or the Raiders. We’ve got people saying Kevin Walters should be picked at five eighth so Daley can be shifted to centre. And worse. I did expect it. But it makes me a bit sad.
Haha well that is a surprising suggestion for the centre position.
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greeneyed
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by greeneyed »

We’ve also had people saying how terrible it was that the “two Fijians” had been overlooked on the wings. “Nandruku” and “Negas”. I thought about pointing Ken Nagas has Indigenous heritage… but nah.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by Seiffert82 »

No matter what your personal opinions are of who is better than who, the fact that Rapana, Croker, Papalii and Wighton have cracked that side indicates how good it has been for us fans to have a few years of being genuinely competitive. Particularly in a competition that clearly (to me) has had a number of teams that have some clear advantages over others. I know guys like Hodgo and Whitehead were close to making that 40 year team too.

Well done lads. I hope you all have at least one more crack at winning this comp left in you.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by Billy Walker »

Narrator: “they didn’t”
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Botman
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by Botman »

greeneyed wrote: January 6, 2022, 1:50 pm The reaction from some (many) on Facebook is dispiriting. There's a lot of outrage that player x or y didn't make it... Most, clearly, have not participated, nor read anything about how the team was developed and selected. But I found the exercise to be an enjoyable one. We've looked at the careers of hundreds of players in constructing the polls and lots of people have constructively participated. It's not exactly the team I'd have selected, but it is a great team, recognises a lot of great players. A good celebration of the club in my view.
Facebook groups are... actually hell on earth and anyone engaging via that format should be immediately ignore without exception and treated with extreme prejudice.
**** em. Goobers. All of them.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team

Post by Billy Walker »

Botman wrote: October 14, 2022, 12:15 pm
greeneyed wrote: January 6, 2022, 1:50 pm The reaction from some (many) on Facebook is dispiriting. There's a lot of outrage that player x or y didn't make it... Most, clearly, have not participated, nor read anything about how the team was developed and selected. But I found the exercise to be an enjoyable one. We've looked at the careers of hundreds of players in constructing the polls and lots of people have constructively participated. It's not exactly the team I'd have selected, but it is a great team, recognises a lot of great players. A good celebration of the club in my view.
Facebook groups are... actually hell on earth and anyone engaging via that format should be immediately ignore without exception and treated with extreme prejudice.
**** em. Goobers. All of them.
Echo…. Echo…. Echo…. Echo…..
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