Every NRL club's Team of the Decade

Here at Zero Tackle, we decided to look at each NRL club and create a 'Team of the Decade' for each side. These teams necessarily aren't just the 'best' players over the 10 year period, there are also some fan favourites and long term veterans for the clubs. Take a look at who's made our clubs' 'Team of the Decade', and see if any of your favourites have been included. Brisbane Broncos Darius Boyd Jharal Yow Yew Justin Hodges James Roberts Corey Oates Darren Lockyer Ben Hunt Ben Hannant Andrew McCullough Corey Parker Matt Gillett Sam Thaiday Josh McGuire Being the first club established in Queensland, the Brisbane Broncos have a proud and rich history, which includes creating some of the games best players. Darren Lockyer was the first person considered for this list, either or at fullback or five-eighth, but it's hard to ignore all that Darius Boyd has accomplished for the club at fullback. Broncos veterans Justin Hodges and Sam Thaiday have shown their loyalty to the Bronx over the years, becoming legends of the game. The sensation of Jharal Yow Yew put bums on seats with his electric style of play, with James Roberts now taking over with his blistering speed. [caption id="attachment_34081" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 17: Darren Lockyer of the Broncos in attack during the NRL second semi final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium on September 17, 2011 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan Wood/Getty Images)[/caption] Canberra Raiders Jack Wighton Edrick Lee Jarrod Croker Joseph Leilua Jordan Rapana Terry Campese Aidan Sezer David Shillington Josh Hodgson Dane Tilse Tom Learoyd-Lahrs Josh Papalii Shaun Fensom The Green Machine from Canberra have over the years had some of the best players don a Raiders jersey, none better than Jarrod Croker. Croker, along with Terry Campese, have been some of the longest servants for Canberra and have shaped the Raiders team to what we see today. Josh Hodgson controls the play from dummy half, while Jordan Rapana puts on a show week in and week out, which makes them humongous favourites amongst the fans. With Jack Wighton solid at the back, and big guys such as Josh Papalii chugging along nicely in the middle, the Raiders have a formidable team of the decade. [caption id="attachment_34626" align="alignnone" width="696"] Jarrod Croker during the round 24 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Penrith Panthers at GIO Stadium on August 20, 2017 in Canberra, Australia.[/caption] Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Ben Barba Brett Morris Josh Morris Tim Lafai Sam Perrett Josh Reynolds Trent Hodkinson James Graham Michael Ennis Aiden Tolman Frank Pritchard Josh Jackson Greg Eastwood Nicknamed 'The Dogs of War', their team of decade would be a scary proposition to face. Ben Barba's career best season of 2012 made him very popular with the Dogs fans, along with the Morris brothers, who are highly admired. Look-a-likes James Graham and Aiden Tolman spearheaded the forward pack, with Michael Ennis creating havoc at hooker. Although the spine for this team of the decade looks a lot different to the current Bulldogs spine, Canterbury can be thankful for long time lock Greg Eastwood holding down the fort. [caption id="attachment_34627" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Ben Barba of the Bulldogs warms up prior to the round four NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium on March 29, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Michael Gordon Valentine Holmes Matthew Wright Jack Bird Sosaia Feki James Maloney Chad Townsend Andrew Fifita Isaac de Gois Sam Tagataese Wade Graham Luke Lewis Paul Gallen The Sharks have had numerous combinations throughout the last decade, making this team very difficult to pick. Paul Gallen is one of the longest serving Sharks, having played 316 games for them, with team mates Luke Lewis and Wade Graham also becoming veterans for Cronulla. The spark both wingers Valentine Holmes and Sosaia Feki provide to the team keep bringing fans back through the gates, with James Maloney and Chad Townsend steering Cronulla to their maiden premiership in 2016. [caption id="attachment_28685" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 02: Paul Gallen of the Sharks celebrates winning the 2016 NRL Grand Final match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Gold Coast Titans William Zillman David Mead Konrad Hurrell Jamal Idris Anthony Don Aidan Sezer Scott Prince Ryan James Nathan Peats Matthew White Chris McQueen Greg Bird Ashley Harrison With the Gold Coast Titans being established in 2007, it means most of their players are eligible to be in contention for our 'Team of the Decade'. Ashley Harrison, Greg Bird and Ryan James are amongst the list of long-term players at the Titans as the club is relatively young compared to other major clubs. Despite being recently new to the Titans, Konrad Hurrell has made a big impact at the club, quickly becoming a fan favourite (how could he not after those try celebrations). In another 10 years to come, sure enough some of the young talent the Titans possess at the moment will make their next 'Team of the Decade'. [caption id="attachment_32397" align="alignnone" width="479"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Ryan James of the Titans passes the ball during the round four NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium on April 1, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Brett Stewart David Williams Jamie Lyon Dylan Walker Jorge Taufua Kieran Foran Daly Cherry-Evans George Rose Matt Ballin Tony Williams Jamie Buhrer Anthony Watmough Jake Trbojevic The Sea Eagles are the side everyone loves to hate, maybe due to the amount of success they've enjoyed over the last decade. The formidable combination of Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran looked practically unstoppable, along with the dynamic fullback Brett Stewart getting involved in every play. The Manly faithful loved cheering on David 'The Wolfman' Williams from the hill at Brookvale Oval, while they also watched their beloved Anthony Watmough and Jamie Buhrer march the team forward. The impressive resumes of the names in Manly's 'Team of the Decade' speak for themselves. [caption id="attachment_22588" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 21: Brett Stewart of the Eagles runs the ball during the round 11 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Manly Sea Eagles at Southern Cross Group Stadium on May 21, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne Storm Billy Slater Marika Koroibete Will Chambers Greg Inglis Josh Addo-Carr Blake Green Cooper Cronk Jesse Bromwich Cameron Smith Jordan McLean Kevin Proctor Ryan Hoffman Dale Finucane The Melbourne Storm have been one of the most successful teams over the last decade through sheer perseverance and the ability to produce player after player after player. No surprises Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk hold down the top 3 playmaker positions, with long time servants Ryan Hoffman and Will Chambers making the team. Winger Marika Koroibete, otherwise known as the 'Flying Fijian', was once the fan favourite of the Melbourne faithful, but a recent Foxx, or Josh Addo-Carr if you will, has come to steal the show. With Craig Bellamy as long-term coach, every player that goes through Melbournes system gets the best out of their game, it's no wonder most of the Storms team of the decade still remain at the club. [caption id="attachment_30976" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater of the Storm pose with the Provan-Summons Trophy after winning the 2017 NRL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Newcastle Knights Kurt Gidley James McManus Dane Gagai Wes Naiqama Akuila Uate Jarrod Mullen Tyrone Roberts Kade Snowden Danny Buderus Korbin Sims Robbie Rochow Chris Houston Jeremey Smith The Newcastle Knights are the pride and joy of the Hunter region. Favourite sons Kurt Gidley and Danny Buderus are much loved by Novocastrians as they helped create the Newcastle brand of footy fans love to watch. The excitement of watching Akuila Uate streak down the sideline or Jarrod Mullen construct multiple attacking plays lured fans in the stadium. Once their beloved veterans moved on, Newcastle found themselves in a bit of a hole, but the new up and coming youngsters will surely make the next 'Team of the Decade'' for the Knights. [caption id="attachment_34630" align="alignnone" width="696"] NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Danny Buderus of the Knights celebrates his last game with fans after the round 26 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Parramatta Eels at Hunter Stadium on September 8, 2013 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] North Queensland Cowboys Matthew Bowen Antonio Winterstein Kane Linnett Brett Tate Kyle Feldt Michael Morgan Johnathan Thurston Matt Scott Jake Granville Scott Bolton Tariq Sims Gavin Cooper Jason Taumalolo The 'Team of the Decade' for the North Queensland Cowboys certainly have enough strike power to demolish any opponent. Mixed with age and youth alike, the players mentioned above certainly impress the rugby league community and keep fans wanting more. Cult hero Johnathan Thurston has pulled the Cowboys out of many sticky situations over the years, but he hasn't done it alone with Gavin Cooper and Matt Scott being right by his side. The heights Kyle Feldt goes to (literally) when scoring tries for North Queensland is what keeps fans on the edge of their seats. [caption id="attachment_24950" align="alignnone" width="696"] TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 16: Johnathan Thurston of the Cowboys celebrates victory after the first NRL semi final between North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Brisbane at 1300SMILES Stadium on September 16, 2016 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Parramatta Eels Jarryd Hayne Semi Radradra Michael Jennings Brad Takairangi Luke Burt Corey Norman Jeff Robson Tim Mannah Matthew Keating Junior Paulo Nathan Cayless Nathan Hindmarsh Joseph Paulo The Parramatta Eels are another team who have some proud history, with the club beginning in 1947. Nathan Hindmarsh was a much loved favourite of the Blue and Gold army, being loyal and devoted to Parra, despite not winning a premiership. At the beginning of the spine stands Jarryd Hayne, who has played some of his best footy for the Eels, with Jeff Robson and Corey Norman controlling the play up front. Who could forget how much joy Semi Radradra brought to Eels, and also NRL fans in general, during his time at Parra as his ability to find the try line was outstanding. [caption id="attachment_28967" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 17: Nathan Hindmarsh of the Eels passes during the round ten NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Parramatta Eels at Brookvale Oval on May 17, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Penrith Panthers Michael Gordon Dallin Watene-Zelezniak Tyrone Peachey Brad Tighe Josh Mansour Jamie Soward Nathan Cleary Reagan Campbell-Gillard Peter Wallace Jeremy Latimore Nigel Plum Isaah Yeo Trent Merrin The team from Sydney's west, the Penrith Panthers have had their fair share of great players over the last decade. Toughnut Jeremy Latimore was the engine room for the Panthers, with youngster Reagan Campbell-Gillard taking over the reins and leading the charge. Despite being only 20 years of age, Nathan Cleary has shown in a short amount of time that he has been one of the best halfbacks the Panthers have had, and will most likely make Penrith's 'team of the decade' again, if he stays at the foot of the mountains. Josh Mansour and Tyrone Peachey are amongst the players who know how to build a crowd, continuing to delight Panthers fans over the years. [caption id="attachment_22763" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Peter Wallace of the Panthers watches on during the round 17 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Penrith Panthers at ANZ Stadium on July 2, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)[/caption] South Sydney Rabbitohs Nathan Merritt Alex Johnston Bryson Goodwin Greg Inglis Kirisome Auva'a Luke Keary Adam Reynolds Roy Asotasi Isaac Luke George Burgess John Sutton Michael Crocker Sam Burgess The South Sydney Rabbitohs have had some of the greatest players ever seen in the game play for the Red and Green, and there have sure been some legends over the last decade. Greg Inglis is just that good he features twice in our list for centre of the decade for both the Melbourne Storm and the Rabbitohs, as his dominant performances continue to make Souths presence felt by the competition. Everyone loves the Burgess brothers and when they won the 2014 premiership, the talk of the town was all about them, as well as good old Rusty. John Sutton and Adam Reynolds have shown their loyalty to Souths over the years, and have been the anchor for the club in the last decade. [caption id="attachment_24154" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 22: (L-R) Sam Burgess and brother George Burgess of the Rabbitohs embrace during the last post played in memory of ANZAC Day before the round eight NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on April 22, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] St. George Illawarra Dragons Josh Dugan Jason Nightingale Euan Aitken Matt Cooper Brett Morris Gareth Widdop Josh McCrone Dan Hunt Mitch Rein Michael Weyman Tyson Frizell Matt Prior Jack de Belin The Dragons are on the march in 2018 and have had some notable players don the 'Red V' over the past 10 years. Club favourites Jason Nightingale and Jack de Belin are adored by their fans, while Matt Cooper was everyones favourite, loved by both women and men. Since coming across from Melbourne, Gareth Widdop has been in career best form in the halves for St. George, as Tyson Frizell keeps proving why he's one of the games best second-rowers. [caption id="attachment_32474" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: Jason Nightingale of the Dragons passes during the round five NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at UOW Jubilee Oval on April 6, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Sydney Roosters Anthony Minichiello Sam Perrett Michael Jennings Latrell Mitchell Shaun Kenny-Dowall Braith Anasta Mitchell Pearce Jared Waerea-Hargreaves Jake Friend Dylan Napa Mitch Aubusson Boyd Cordner Aiden Guerra Here comes the Roosters, the red, white and bluesters, the Eastern Suburbs team. The Roosters have been another team who have enjoyed success over the last decade, and it's not hard to see why with players such as Boyd Cordner, Mitch Aubusson and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in the team. Roosters legend and all-round good guy Anthony 'Mini' Minichiello, along with Mitchell Pearce and Braith Anasta were all beloved fan favourites for the Chooks as the last decade has treated the Roosters well. [caption id="attachment_34631" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 06: Anthony Minichiello of the Roosters celebrates after winning the 2013 NRL Grand Final match between the Sydney Roosters and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at ANZ Stadium on October 6, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] New Zealand Warriors Roger Tuivasa-Sheck Manu Vatuvei Solomone Kata Jerome Ropati David Fusitua Thomas Leuluai Shaun Johnson Sam Rapira Nathan Friend Ben Matulino Simon Mannering Jacob Lillyman Michael Luck The team across the ditch, the New Zealand Warriors, have had some very intimidating players over the last decade. Manu Vatuvei played 226 games for New Zealand Warriors over 14 years, making him one of the most loved Warriors player of all time. Simon Mannering and Shaun Johnson have stayed true to their Kiwi heritage, remaining in NZ for their careers, guiding the team to the 2011 Grand Final. [caption id="attachment_21995" align="alignnone" width="696"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 01: Manu Vatuvei of the Warriors looks on after the round nine NSW Intrust Super Cup Premiership match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at Mt Smart Stadium on May 1, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)[/caption] Wests Tigers James Tedesco David Nofoaluma Blake Ayshford Tim Simona Beau Ryan Benji Marshall Luke Brooks Keith Galloway Robbie Farah Aaron Woods Chris Heighington Chris Lawrence Dene Halatau From the likes of Benji Marshall to Beau Ryan, the Wests Tigers have had some unforgettable players in the last 10 years. Before becoming a favourite on the NRL Footy Show, Beau Ryan was a huge fan favourite during his Tiger days. Cult heroes Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall both ventured away from Wests, but fittingly returned home in 2018 to continue their luxurious careers for the Tigers. Chris Lawrence has racked up 223 games for the Tigers, and will keep adding to that tally, making the Tigers team of the decade one not to be messed with. [caption id="attachment_19855" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 30: Robbie Farah of the Wests Tigers applauds the crowd after the Tigers last home game of the season during the round 25 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the New Zealand Warriors at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on August 30, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption]