Let’s call them ‘The Mongrels’.
A team packed to the seams with men that have quite literally spilt blood for their state. They did the things others wouldn’t and they scratched for every inch. These are the players all State of Origin coaches love and opposition players despise.
All ran fearlessly, others hit like hammers and some niggled until the cows came home.
If they were playing for your state, you loved them.
If they were on the other side, you hated them.
These are my expendables, State of Origin’s mongrels.
1 Justin Hodges
Queensland 2002-Current
One of the great nigglers and doesn’t mind throwing them.
2 Michael Hancock
Queensland 1989-1996
Legendary running style who tended to act like a beached great white shark when tackled.
3 Adam MacDougall
New South Wales 1998-2001
His nickname is ‘Mad Dog’, enough said.
4 Shaun Berrigan
Queensland 2002-2007
Fearless runner of the ball who played across the backs and hooker at representative level.
5 John Hopoate
New South Wales 1995
Took on three Queenslanders in the infamous 1995 MCG brawl.
6 Josh Reynolds
New South Wales 2013-2014
Known as ‘Grub’ and for good reason.
7 Tommy Raudonikis
New South Wales 1980
A vicious half-back who created ‘Cattledog’ as coach of NSW in the mid 1990’s.
8 Paul Gallen
New South Wales 2006-Current
Put two on the chin of good mate Nate Myles recently and is hated by all Queenslanders.
9 Steve Walters
Queensland 1990-1997
One of the great hookers. Strong as an ox and as tough as a $2 steak.
10 Arthur Beetson
Queensland 1980
Belted Parramatta team-mate Mick Cronin in opening Origin in 1980, helping create the concept.
11 Gorden Tallis
Queensland 1994-2003
Ask Brett Hodgson about ‘The Raging Bull’.
12 Les Boyd
New South Wales 1980-1983
Ended rival Darryl Brohman’s hopes of an Australian birth after breaking his jaw with a flying elbow.
13 Trevor Gillmeister
Queensland 1987-1996
‘The Axe’ was one of the most fearsome defensive players QLD has ever produced.
14 Greg Bird
New South Wales 2007-2014
Was at the centre of many brawls over the past ten years.
15 Mark Geyer
New South Wales 1989-1991
Was on a mission to break as many bones as possible throughout his Origin career.
16 Beau Scott
New South Wales 2010-Current
His mission is to break Johnathan Thurston’s ribs. Often.
17 Luke O’Donnell
New South Wales 2006-2010
One of the great angry men of State of Origin.
@CurtisWoodward1
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Video Source: AussieOriginal
great bloody stuff! wouldnt have a beer with any of em!
(maybe Tommy)