Whether you love them or hate them, there is no denying that these players draw plenty of attention to themselves; often for all the wrong reasons.
These players take up the 20th through to the 11th position out of the top 20.
The top 10 players will be revealed on Friday, August 31.
In 2011, Adam Blair was involved in one of the most infamous incidents in NRL history when he was involved in a massive fight with Manly’s Glenn Stewart. After a horror stint at the Tigers, Blair moved to the Broncos and then the Warriors, and has found himself in trouble for a number of reasons, including chicken-wing tackles and late hits.
Dylan Walker has found himself caught up in a number of on-field incidents, particularly during his time with the Sea Eagles. These incidents have included his infamous punch up with Melbourne’s Curtis Scott and his scuffle with a number of Raiders players after a missed penalty goal. Walker was also hospitalized in 2015 after overdosing on prescription drugs with Aaron Gray.
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Brisbane captain Darius Boyd has had a strange relationship with the media during his career, often refusing to answer questions or appearing completely unenthused; one such incident in 2009 saw him disciplined by the Dragons. Add in his relationship with coach Wayne Bennett and it is not difficult to see why Boyd is a controversial figure in the eyes of the NRL community.
Josh McGuire is one of those players that the fans love to label a “grub.” It is not hard to see why, with numerous incidents plaguing his career, such as fights during training or when he threw a punch at the back of James Tamou’s head.
It came as a shock to the rugby league community when Kevin Proctor was caught using cocaine after an international match. Proctor was stripped of his captaincy of the club, suspended for four games and fined $20,000 in response to his actions.
While Kevin Proctor being caught with illegal substances was bad, the fact that Jesse Bromwich was caught made the incident much more serious. Bromwich was the captain of the New Zealand international team at the time, and he was punished by both the Storm and the Kiwis for his disappointing actions – including being stripped of the international captaincy.
Josh Dugan has continually made poor off-field decisions during his career, including his most recent criticism of Phil Rothfield. Earlier in his career, the Raiders were forced to sack him due to a number of incidents, including his infamous “Vodka Crusier” photo. Dugan nearly signed with the Broncos after he was sacked, but again found himself in hot water for an Instagram post.
Josh Reynolds has never been too far from controversy throughout his NRL career. Given his nickname is “grub” that should not be too surprising. The former Bulldogs five-eighth has always been an aggressive player, but he has been known to cross the line, especially with his numerous attempts to trip opposition players.
Joseph Leilua seems to constantly be involved in some sort of controversy, whether on the field or off it. Leilua was sacked by the Roosters in 2012 due to disciplinary reasons, including spitting on his ex-girlfriend and distributing nude photos of her. Leilua was released from his contract at the Knights early, reportedly due to an altercation with Beau Scott in addition to the coach being unhappy with him.
Since returning to rugby league in 2016, Russell Packer has been a new man, but many will not forget the disgraceful actions of the New Zealand prop. In 2014 Packer was sentenced to two years in jail for assaulting a man, and many thought he would be deported to New Zealand. In 2013, Packer was caught on camera urinating on the field, which resulted in a $15,000 fine from the NRL.
LOL. Why stop at 20. I love the game, but there’s no shortage of drop kicks in RL.
I’d like to say it hasn’t affect my how much I love the game but, as I get older, it is.
Gallen and Smith will be 1 and 2
Michael Ehmer,
This is absolute, unashamed, unintelligent, pathetic gutter journalism with nothing to gain other than the author’s name in ‘print.’
ZT is clearly absolutely desperate for articles.
Utterly miserable journalism which did nothing but encourage me to move on beyond your first intro paragraphs.
Deplorable.
Another typical comment from the tank.
It would be really great if you could change to username. You really are embarrassing to us Dragons fans.
Just because your dad supports the dragons doesn’t me YOU support them. I think there is some netball on today for you.
No man will even look at your fat ogre head in person so you come on here to try get some attention. Everything you say is trash. Get back in the kitchen.
You really need to do something about your gender issues. They are clouding your thoughts.
& please change your username. You are an utter embarrassment to a proud club.
U criticised me for not talking footy – I have directly responded to this article.
What does your post have to do with ANYTHJNG???
Show me 1 comment of yours on this site that is about footy?
I’ll be waiting ruanne.
First of all, why on Earth would you find it an insult to call me the name of a highly successful female, infinitely more successful in life than you will EVER be?
I find it odd – there have been 4 exclusive Dragons articles of late – to none of which you have bothered to contribute: Lance, Vaughan, Latimore & change of ownership.
Hmmm, I find it odd you question my loyalty to my team & footy when you’d rather heap sh1t on every other contributor to this site & completely neglect newsworthy info on your own term.
One of us is a fan & the other is an insecure little tool. & it’s latter is YOU. Take a bow. I’m guessing you’ve not received a lot of accolades in your life so soak up this one, of which you are thoroughly deserving.
You may choose to picture me a tank. I picture u a tiny little man who has NOTHING better to do all day than find an excuse to abuse people online. It has actually become an obsession for which you should really seek help.
Truly, there are other ways to express your general frustration with your personal life on an NRL site.
I bet I earn more money the. Ruanne and you put together, you stupid dishwasher.
Oh, I’d bet u don’t earn anywhere near that…even without her salary added to mine.
Seriously, give up. You are an embarrassment to MY team.
…& that pile of dishes on your kitchen bench must be reaching the ceiling by now as you wait longingly for someone to step into your life to wash up after your mess.
Good luck with that.
&, like I said before, still waiting for you to talk footy.
…waiting for you to talk footy, fool.
Truly controversial players listed or just those that have committed a faux pas or atrocity at some stage? If it’s the latter being listed then 20 will hardly scratch the surface. Perhaps title it the 20 players most love to hate. Some of these guys hardly raise an eyebrow compared to the boof heads gone before.
Matt Lodge, Todd Carney and Will Chambers…