Top Ten Greatest Ever Raiders

Canberra Raiders history

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greeneyed
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Top Ten Greatest Ever Raiders

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To celebrate the Raiders 25th Anniversary, The Greenhouse has conducted a series of votes to determine, in order, the Top Ten Greatest Raiders Ever.

Each week, people had the opportunity to vote out the player who they think is the lowest rated "Great".

The starting point was 15 of the best ever Raiders team, voted on last off season, plus a number of wild cards. More than 20 players were considered.

This thread provides the results.

Number 10 - John Ferguson - Winger

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One of the greatest crowd pleasers of the modern era, 'Chicka' proved that talent and class have no age when he came to the Raiders at the end of his career and produced champagne footy time and time again. Scored the match-saving try in the 1989 Grand Final.
Matches for club: 94
Total Tries: 50
Total Goals: -
Total Points: 200

Source: www.raiders.com.au

John Ferguson

He thrilled many people with his amazing runs down the touchlines, but these days Rugby League is the last thing on his mind. Even Wigan legend Billy Boston once called him: The best thing since hamburgers!

John Chicka Ferguson, who the records claim is now 50 years-old lives in Townsville but has little to do with the game of Rugby League. He rarely is seen at Rugby League games and prefers not to talk about his deeds on the football field.

“That was a long time ago. People still like to talk about my playing days but that is in the past”, said Ferguson.

Back in 1984, when playing for Eastern Suburbs, Ferguson joined Wigan and had a remarkable season. He played in 25 matches and scored 24 tries. He made his debut in the opening premiership match of the 1984/85 season in which he scored a try in the 20-12 win over Castleford at Wheldon Road.

He is best remembered for his effort in the Challenge Cup final when Wigan beat Hull 28-24 in one of the greatest matches ever to grace Wembley. A crowd of 97,801 were on hand to witness the spectacle.

Ferguson was flown back for the final and he scored Wigan’s first try in the 17th minute after great work from fellow Australian Brett Kenny and Ian Potter. Ferguson added another try when he crossed in the 51st minute to make the scoreline 28-12. Hull came back with unconverted tries to make the final score 28-24 to Wigan.

Ferguson’s second try was an incredible effort considering that he tore his hamstring en-route to the tryline. He had only just been treated by the teams trainers for an Achilles tendon problem. “He was a quiet bloke. He was happy to sit in the corner of the dressing room and say nothing. He did his talking on the field,” said Brett Kenny.

Ferguson and his wife were originally staying with Mark Cannon before he left the club. Chicka enjoyed his stay with Wigan. The experience made him a better player because he went on to play for Australia.

He grew up in the country and it was from the Glen Innes club that he represented Country Seconds in 1977. Two years later, he was wearing the Newtown jersey in which he played in the 1981 grand final when the Jets went down 20-11 against Parramatta.

He played 73 matches for Newtown but was forced to look for a new club when the Jets were kicked out of the competition at the end of the 1983 season for financial reasons.

He was snapped up by Eastern Suburbs (now the Sydney Roosters) and made his State of Origin debut for New South Wales in 1985, the year the *'s won the series for the first time.

That same year, he made his Test debut for Australia, and played in all three tests against New Zealand, but that would be the last time he wore the famous green and gold jersey.

Ferguson moved to Canberra in 1986 and remained with the club five seasons, appearing in 94 matches. He missed the 1987 grand final loss to Manly because of a knee injury but was back on deck for the 1989 decider when he scored a try with just seconds remaining to tie the game at 14-all against short-priced favourites Canberra. The Raiders would go on to win their inaugural premiership 19-14 in extra-time.

He retired after Canberra retained the title in 1990, when they defeated Penrith in the grand final. He did make a one-off appearance for Newtown when they returned to the playing field via the Metropolitan Cup.

Source: www.wiganwarriors.com
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Number 9 - David Furner - Second Rower

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David Furner - Second Row
Son of original Raiders coach Don, David Furner is the greatest point-scoring forward in Australian Rugby League history. Furner's work ethic and class showed when he was rewarded with NSW and Australian selection. Won the Clive Churchill award in the 1994 Grand Final.

Matches for club: 200
Total Tries: 49
Total Goals: 511
Total F/G: 1
Total Points: 1219
1994 Clive Churchill Medal

Source: www.raiders.com.au
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Number 8 - Jason Croker - Lock/Second Row/Utility

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Matches for club: 293 (1991- )
Tries: 117
Total Points: 470
DOB: 10 March, 1973, in Crookwell, NSW
Height: 181cm
Weight: 100kg
Junior Club: Crookwell Green Devils
Representative: Country Origin 1994, 1996, 2001. Five games for NSW 1993-2001. One Test for Australia 2000.
Previous Clubs: Nil
FG Debut: Raiders v Broncos, March 31, 1991.

Since winning the club's Rookie of the Year in 1991, has won just about every Raiders award: Coaches Award 2004; Players' Player 2000, 1999, 1993; Best Player 1999; Sponsors Award 1998; Most Consistent 1994, 1992.

Incredibly he won three grand final medallions with the Raiders in 1990, playing for the winning U21's team, then sitting on the bench for reserve grade and first grade. Holds the records for most games and most tries for the Raiders, on track to surpass 300 career first grade games.

He grew up working on his father's potato farm outside Crookwell, but would be a wool-presser if he wasn't playing footy. He regards Laurie Daley and Brett Mullins as the two best teammates he's played with; was a Southern Tablelands representative in soccer as a kid; was the only current player that was selected in the Raiders best team of the first 20 years; is second youngest of six kids in his family.

Arguably the most consistent Raiders player of the past 15 years, Toots' strength and work-rate make him a true club leader.

Source: www.raiders.com.au
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Number 7 - Ruben Wiki - Centre/Second Row/Prop

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Matches for club: 225 games (93-04) (Moved to New Zealand Warriors in 2005)
Points for club: 240
Club debut: Canberra v South Sydney, Bruce Stadium, June 13, 1993 (Round 11)
Junior clubs: Mount Wellington, Otahuhu (Auckland)
Representative honours: 50 Tests for New Zealand (1994-2005)
Educated at Sir Edmund Hillary College (Auckland).
Date of birth: 21/01/1973

Sources: www.raiders.com.au and warriors.co.nz
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Number 6 - Gary Belcher - Fullback

'Badge' burst onto the scene as a replacement in 1986 for injured Fullback Mick Aldous and never looked back, playing 148 matches for Canberra and earning regular selection in both the Queensland and Australian rep teams.

www.raiders.com.au

Raiders Record:

Matches for club: 148
Total Tries: 69
Total Goals: 148
Total Points: 572

Club Awards:

1986 Player of the Year - Gary Belcher
1986 Player's Player - Gary Belcher
1986 Coach's Award- Gary Belcher

1987 Player of the Year - Gary Belcher

1993 Clubman of the Year - Gary Belcher

Interstate Representative Honours:

Gary Belcher - Qld ( 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 93 ) 16 State of Origin matches, 4 tries, 16 goals, 48 points

International Representative Honours:

Gary Belcher - Aust 15 Tests ( 88, 89, 90, 91, 1986 and 1990 Kangaroo Tour, 1989 NZ Tour, 1991 PNG Tour ) 3 tries, 6 goals, 24 points
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Number 5 - Steve Walters - Hooker

A fierce competitor, 'Boxhead' was adored by Raiders fans all over the world, particularly in QLD where he represented at Origin level so admirably. Had a great rivalry with Tiger rake Benny Elias at club and state level. Steve toured with the Kangaroos in 1994 after proving the difference in several matches throughout the regular season.

www.raiders.com.au

Raiders Records:

Steve Walters - 228 games ( 86-96 ) 42 tries, 164pts

Raiders Club Awards:

1991 Player of the Year
1993 Most Consistent Player

Interstate Records:

Steve Walters - Qld 14 State of Origin matches ( 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96 ) 1 try, 4 points

Australian International Records:

Steve Walters - Aust 15 Tests ( 91, 92, 93, 94 ) 1991 PNG Tour, 1992 World Cup, 1993 NZ Tour, 1994 Kangaroo Tour - 4 tries, 16 points
3 Super League Tests 1997 - 1 try, 4 points
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Number 4 - Brad Clyde - Lock

A devastating ball-runner and tireless worker in defence, Brad Clyde raised the bar for back-rowers in the early nineties. Was regarded by many as the best player in the world for a good period even though injuries disrupted his career. Winner of the Clive Churchill award in the 1989 and 1991 Grand Finals.

www.raiders.com.au

Raiders Records

Brad Clyde - 178 games ( 88-98 ) 156pts - Total Tries 39 - 1989 and 1991 Clive Churchill Medal, 1989 and 1990 Dally M Lock of the Year - Raiders Club Awards - 1988 Rookie of the Year, 1989 Player of the Year, 1989 Best Player, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998 Players' Player

Origin Records

Brad Clyde - NSW 12 State of Origin matches ( 89, 90, 91, 92, 94 ) 2 tries, 8 points

Australian Records

Brad Clyde - Aust 18 Tests ( 89, 90, 91, 92, 94 ) 2 tries, 8 points
2 Super League Tests 1997 - nil points
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Number 3 - Ricky Stuart - Halfback

Possessing what was the greatest passing and kicking game in the world throughout his career, Ricky Stuart set new standards for Rugby League half-backs. Won numerous matches for the Raiders with precision kick placement, the 1990 Grand Final a memorable match when he won the Clive Churchill medal.

www.raiders.com.au

Raiders Records

Ricky Stuart - 203 games ( 88-98 ) 195pts - 1993 Rothman's Medalist for Best and Fairest Player, 1993 Dally M Player of the Year, 1990 and 1993 Dally M Halfback of the Year, 1990 Clive Churchill Medal - Raiders Club Awards - 1988, 1992, 1993 Player of the Year, 1991 Sponsors Award, 1992, 1993 Best Player, 1995 Clubman of the Year

Total Tries: 39
Total Goals: 7
Total F/G: 25
Total Points: 195

Interstate Records

Ricky Stuart - NSW 14 State of Origin matches (90, 91, 92, 93, 94 ) 3 tries, 12 points

Australian Records

Ricky Stuart - Aust 9 Tests (90, 94 ) 1990, 1994 Kangaroo Tour, 1992 World Cup - 1 try, 1 F/G, 5 points
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Number 2 - Laurie Daley - Centre/Five Eighth

A Raiders legend who is immortalised in bronze at Canberra Stadium, Laurie Daley was the Raiders 'go-to' guy and always delivered in the big matches. Could sniff out opportunities and put men away but also had great timing in defence, rattling even the toughest of opponents at all levels.

Matches for club: 244
Total Tries: 87
Total Goals: 44
Total F/G: 9
Total Points: 445

www.raiders.com.au

Raiders Records

Laurie Daley - 244 games ( 87-00 ) 445pts - 1995 Dally M Player of the Year, 1995 and 1996 Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year - Raiders Club Awards - 1988, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000 Best Player, 1990, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999 Player of the Year, 1997 Clubman of the Year

Interstate Records

Laurie Daley - NSW 23 State of Origin matches ( 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 98, 99 ) 6 tries, 1 goal, 26 points
Captained NSW 92, 93, 94, 98, 99

Australian International Records

Laurie Daley - Aust 21 Tests ( 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 98, 99 ) 1990, 1994 Kangaroo Tour, 1993, NZ Tour - 11 tries, 2 F/G, 46 points
5 Super League Tests 1997 - 4 tries, 16 points
Captained Australia 7 times 2 Tests 5 Super League Tests
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Number 1 - Mal Meninga - Centre

Big Mal's playing and captaincy record speaks for itself. Brought down to Canberra from QLD club Brisbane Souths, Meninga went on to lead the Raiders to 3 Grand Final wins, as well as captaining QLD and Australia. Retired after 1994 Grand Final win over Canterbury.

Matches for club: 166
Total Tries: 74
Total Goals: 283
Total F/G: 2
Total Points: 864

www.raiders.com.au

Raiders Records

Mal Meninga - 166 games ( 86-94 ) 864pts - 1990 Golden Boot Award, 1990 and 1991 Dally M Centre of the Year - Raiders Club Awards - 1990 Best Player, 1991 Player's Player,

Interstate Records

Mal Meninga - Qld 32 State of Origin matches ( 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94 ) 6 tries, 69 goals, 161 points
Most total appearances for Qld 1908-2005: Mal Meninga 38 matches
Most goals for Qld and in Interstate matches 1908-2005: Mal Meninga 78
Most points for Qld and in Interstate matches 1908-2005: Mal Meninga 188 (9 tries and 78 goals)
Most SOO goals in a match for Qld: Mal Meninga 7
Most SOO goals in a series for Qld: Mal Meninga 13
Most SOO points in a series for Qld: Mal Meninga 30
Most SOO goals for Qld: Mal Meninga 69
Most SOO points for Qld: Mal Meninga 161
Captained Qld 92, 93, 94

Australian International Records

Mal Meninga - Aust 45 Tests (82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94) 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994 Kangaroo Tour, 1985, 1989, 1993 NZ Tour, 1988 v Rest of the World, 1991 PNG Tour, 1992 World Cup - 21 tries, 96 goals, 272 points
Most total appearances for Australia: Mal Meninga 45 matches
Most goals for Australia: Mal Meninga 96
Most points for Austalia: Mal Meninga 272
Appearances as captain of Australia: 23 (one short of the record)
Last edited by greeneyed on December 19, 2007, 3:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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edwahu

Post by edwahu »

What a list! We are blessed for such a young club, I would reckon only a couple of other clubs could have such a strong top 10.
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Post by green nutter »

nah Jay Hoffman no 1- Loi Bonn number 2- sorry guys i'm a sucker for the old times :lol:
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Post by greeneyed »

Jay Hoffman was a favourite player. :) Better hooker than Woolford, IMO.
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