Best British Rugby League Player of all time

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OAMJSONA
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Best British Rugby League Player of all time

Post by OAMJSONA »

Just been reading about Ellery Hanley ( The Black Pearl ) who was voted the best british rugby league player of all time in 2007. We may have had this topic before but who would be the best British Rugby League Player you have seen live

In the modern game no doubt Hanley is a legend and my two lads where brought up on the heady success days of the 80,s but me personaly i still have a soft spot for the Welsh block buster Mr Boston ( but Ellery pushes him as close it can be )
Wigan is and always will be a town of Cherry & White

jobo
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Re: Best British Rugby League Player of all time

Post by jobo »

I'd go with Hanley but Billy in his pomp was something else to watch. He like Hanley could turn a game on its head within seconds.
Smokie Jim
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Re: Best British Rugby League Player of all time

Post by Smokie Jim »

It's Hanley for me. The greatest Billy B

Favourite player Bill Ashurst.
cpwigan
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Re: Best British Rugby League Player of all time

Post by cpwigan »

Seen live Ellery. Non Brits live; Lewis, Kenny, Miles, Meninga, Sterling, Lockyer, Johns, Daley. So many.

Incl ones not seen live; McTigue, Karalius, Murphy, Edgar, Ashton, Fox.
cow yeds
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Re: Best British Rugby League Player of all time

Post by cow yeds »

Best players are those that bring you to your feet as soon as they get the ball because you are expecting something to happen.

Best wingers i have actually seen are Bevan, Boston an Vollenhoven.
Best all rounders are Hanley and Murphy.
They were all special.
I know Bevan was an Aussie but he played all his life over here after serving in the war.
doc
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Re: Best British Rugby League Player of all time

Post by doc »

Ellery!
Owd Codger
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Re: Best British Rugby League Player of all time

Post by Owd Codger »

All depends in which era you watched the game and which club you supported.

At Wigan, it must be Billy Boston for those fortunate enough to see him play.

Wiganer Ted
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Re: Best British Rugby League Player of all time

Post by Wiganer Ted »

I agree, Billy.
I saw him play wing, centre, full back and stand off.
In 1959 (I think) in the Saints match when Murphy and Sullivan were sent off by Eric Clay, Billy went to stand off and won the game from there for us.
BriH
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Re: Best British Rugby League Player of all time

Post by BriH »

Too many to pick from.
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Wigan_forever1985
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Re: Best British Rugby League Player of all time

Post by Wigan_forever1985 »

depends on how you define best, there are players who play their position to a degree which hasn't been matched or there are players like ellery who you could plonk anywhere on the pitch and they would be in the top 5% of performers
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