40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

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Which forwards should join the 40 Year Dream Team top 30 squad?

Shannon Boyd
0
No votes
Luke Davico
1
1%
David Grant
4
3%
Tom Learoyd-Lahrs
0
No votes
Scott Logan
3
2%
Dunamis Lui
0
No votes
Josh Miller
1
1%
Ryan O'Hara
0
No votes
Paul Osborne
2
2%
Junior Paulo
0
No votes
Quentin Pongia
17
14%
David Shillington
13
11%
Troy Thompson
0
No votes
Dane Tilse
1
1%
Brent Todd
6
5%
Paul Vaughan
0
No votes
David Westley
0
No votes
David Barnhill
0
No votes
Gary Coyne
15
12%
Ashley Gilbert
1
1%
Jon Hardy
2
2%
Bronson Harrison
0
No votes
Brett Hetherington
1
1%
Ben Kennedy
1
1%
Sia Soliola
6
5%
Elliott Whitehead
8
7%
Shaun Fensom
2
2%
Dean Lance
19
16%
Joseph Tapine
6
5%
Alan Tongue
12
10%
 
Total votes: 121

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greeneyed
Don Furner
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Joined: January 7, 2005, 4:21 pm

40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by greeneyed »

40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

To help celebrate the Canberra Raiders 40th season, The Greenhouse is conducting a series of polls in the off season to determine The Greenhouse 40 Year Dream Team. We've settled the best squad of 17 players in the Canberra Raiders' history... and now we're determining the best top 30 squad of all time.



To help fill out the remaining squad positions, this poll will cover forwards. The nominations are grouped by position: props, second rowers and locks. As a guide, and given the players selected in the top 17, a balanced top 30 squad is short at least two middle and two edge forwards. Of course, people are free to use whatever criteria they wish in selecting their five forward spots.

Players need to have played 40 or more first grade games for Canberra to qualify to be part of each poll. We’ve added some wild cards. Remember, only a player's Raiders record should be taken into consideration. If you'd like to vote for a player not mentioned in the poll, you just have to post the player's name.

You have FIVE votes in this poll. Re-voting is permitted, so as to help avoid tie breakers. If you are reading the site via Tapatalk, please take the time to log into the site directly on your device so you can vote in the poll.

Props

Shannon Boyd: Born in Goulburn, Shannon Boyd played his junior football with the Cowra Magpies before coming through the Raiders' ranks. He played with the Green Machine's NYC team from 2010-2012 and made his NRL debut in Round 1 of 2014 against the Cowboys in Townsville. After the Raiders charged to the 2016 preliminary final, he bolted into the Australian team. He played a Test in Perth against the Kiwis on the way to England and the Four Nations Tournament. He left for the Gold Coast Titans in 2019 on a four year deal, but he played only 14 games for that club, before retiring.

Raiders record: 2014-2018, 111 games, nine tries, 36 points
68 games at prop, one in the second row, 42 off the bench
One preliminary final, three finals games, all at prop
Raiders Rookie of the Year 2014

Representative record: 2016 Australia, four games
2016 NSW Country, one game

Luke Davico: Hailing from Gosford, Luke Davico made his first grade debut with the Raiders in the Round 10 clash with the Dragons in 1994. He was only aged 20. He played three matches in that premiership season, before becoming a first grade regular and the club's Rookie of the Year in 1995. In his 11 seasons with the Raiders, he did not achieve representative honours, but certainly came close to Blues' selection at times. He left for the Wigan Warriors in 2005, before returning to Australia and a deal with the Knights. He only played 18 games for Newcastle and retired from the game in the middle of 2007. The readers of The Greenhouse voted him in at starting prop in the 2000s Team of the Decade. He was also named in the official list of the top 25 players on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the club, and the club's official Team of the Decade 2000-2009.

Raiders record: 1994-2004, 176 games, 16 tries, 64 points
143 games at prop, five in the second row, 28 off the bench

Representative record: Nil

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David Grant: Born in Kyogle, David Grant made his first grade debut with the Rabbitohs in 1976, playing 13 games. He moved to the Roosters in 1977, but played just one game before heading to the Tigers in 1978. He made 50 appearances over three seasons in black and gold. He joined the Raiders for their inaugural season in 1982. Jay Hoffman, Lloyd Martin and John McLeod were tried as captain during the trials, but coach Don Furner settled on Grant as the club's first official captain for Round 1. Furner hoped that the extra responsibility could keep Grant's aggressive style of play under a modicum of control. That style of play was reflected in Grant’s nickname – Nana. John McLeod later explained: "We used to call him Nana, because when he did his nana you made sure you kept out of his way." Winger Angel Marina described him this way: "He was an inspirational sort of a player. On his day, he was the best in the country as far as front rowers went. He was a great player, loved life, not big on training but he was a great captain and he certainly put his all into his team mates. It was very special in that first year. He was the captain and you always sort of felt safe when David was on the field." He finished his first grade career at the end of 1985 and headed back to Kyogle and bush footy. Sadly, he suffered a heart attack and passed away in 1994, at the age of just 38. He was named at prop in the club's official 20 Years Greatest Ever Team and in the official list of the top 25 players to celebrate the club's 25th anniversary.

Raiders record: 1982-1985, 79 games, nine tries, 32 points
73 games at prop, six off the bench
Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record: Nil



Tom Learoyd-Lahrs: Born in Tamworth, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs made his NRL debut for the Broncos in 2004. He played eight games with the Queensland club before moving to Canberra in 2006. He went on to represent New South Wales and Australia, and appear in four finals games in green. He headed to the Storm in 2015, but played only one NRL game for the Victorian club. The readers of The Greenhouse included him in the bench in the 2000s Team of the Decade. He was also included in the club's official Team of the Decade 2000-2009.

Raiders record: 2007-2010, 74 games, two tries, eight points
50 games at prop, 24 off the bench
Three finals games, one at prop, two off the bench

Representative record: 2010 Australia, four games
2009-2010 New South Wales, four games
2010-2012 Indigenous All Stars, three games
2010-2012 NSW Country, three games
2005-2009 Prime Minister's XIII, two games

Scott Logan: Born in Wollongong, Scott Logan made his NRL debut with the Roosters in 1996 and played 78 games for the Sydney outfit over six seasons. He played 22 games for the Rabbitohs in 2004-2005 and also played with Hull FC (50 games, 2002-2005). So when he was recruited by the Raiders from the Wigan Warriors (22 games, 2006) he was already approaching the veteran class. He was the tough, experienced forward the Raiders needed at the time - and he won the Raiders Player of the Year in 2007.

Raiders record: 2007-2010, 74 games, seven tries, 28 points
50 games at prop, 24 off the bench
Three finals games, one at prop, two off the bench
Raiders Player of the Year 2007

Representative record*: 2008 Scotland, three games, all in the World Cup
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

Dunamis Lui: Born in Brisbane, Dunamis Lui was a Broncos junior, playing with their National Youth Competition team between 2008-2010. He made his NRL debut for Brisbane in 2010, and went on to make 32 appearances for the club. Lui became a bit of a journeyman, playing for the Sea Eagles (2014-2015, 38 games) and Dragons (2016, 10 games), before finding a home at the Raiders.

Raiders record: 2017-2021, 89 games, three tries, 12 points
53 games at prop, one at lock, 35 off the bench
One grand final, two preliminary finals, six finals games, one in the front row, five off the bench
Raiders Coaches Award 2019
Raiders Club Person of the Year 2020

Representative record*: 2018-2019 Samoa, two games
2020 Queensland, one game
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

Josh Miller: Josh Miller was a part of the Canberra Raiders Premier League premiership team in 2003 - winning the Players' Player award that year. He made his NRL debut in 2004 - and went on to win the club's Player of the Year award twice. That was a huge accomplishment for a forward who mostly played his 113 games for the club off the bench. In defence, he showed very little self preservation, and was known for his big hits. He left the Raiders at the end of 2011 for the Dragons, but only played nine games before retiring early on medical grounds. The readers of The Greenhouse voted him into the 2000s Team of the Decade.

Raiders record: 2004-2011, 113 games, three tries, 12 points
18 games at lock, 13 at prop, three in the second row, 79 off the bench
Two finals games, both off the bench
Meninga Medal 2009, shared with Josh Dugan
Raiders Player of the Year 2005
Raiders Coaches Award 2007
Raiders Clubman of the Year 2004
Raiders Premier League Players' Player 2003

Representative record: Nil

Ryan O'Hara: Born in Sydney, Ryan O'Hara was a Hunter Mariners junior before he made his NRL debut with the Raiders in 2001 - as a 20 year old, in the Round 3 clash with the Sharks at Cronulla. He won the 2021 Raiders' Rookie of the Year award, after playing in 19 games that season. He played four finals games in green, and represented both NSW Country and the Blues from the Raiders. Many thought he should have had more chances at Origin level. He joined the Wests Tigers in 2006, playing 30 games, before heading to Super League.

Raiders record: 2001-2005, 95 games, seven tries, 28 points
82 games at prop, 13 off the bench
Four finals games, all at prop
Raiders Rookie of the Year 2001

Representative record: 2004 New South Wales, one game
2003-2004 NSW Country, two games

Paul Osborne: Paul Osborne played for six seasons with the Dragons, playing 84 games between 1986 and 1991. He joined Canberra in 1992, making his debut in green in the Round 1 clash with Penrith. His finest hour in green came in his final game for the club. He had his bags packed, and was set to play in England, but the suspension of prop John Lomax meant Osborne earned him a late call up for the Grand Final. He played the match of his life. First, he produced a superb pass to David Furner to set up the first try for Canberra. Then he produced a miracle one handed pass around the body of Terry Lamb to Ken Nagas, sending the Canberra winger on his way to a 60 metre try. It set the Raiders on the path to their third premiership. In the end he didn't go to England, and played in the local competition the following year.



Raiders record: 1992-1994, 51 games, four tries, 16 points
48 games at prop, three off the bench
One premiership, one grand final, three finals games, all at prop

Representative record: Nil

Junior Paulo: Junior Paulo arrived at the Raiders mid season in 2016, and was a big part of the Green Machine's charge to the 2016 preliminary final - the club's first in two decades. He went on to win the Meninga Medal in 2017. Born in Auckland, he made his NRL debut with the Parramatta Eels in 2013 - and that was the club he returned to in 2019. He represented Samoa while at the Raiders, and has played six games for New South Wales since re-joining the Eels.

Raiders record: 2016-2018, 55 games, two tries, eight points
42 games at prop, 13 off the bench
One preliminary final, three finals games, all at prop
Meninga Medal 2017

Representative record*: 2016-2017 Samoa, seven games, including four World Cup games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

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Quentin Pongia: Quentin Pongia had three games for New Zealand under his belt, before coming to Australia and its national capital in 1993. He made his debut in green in Round 1 of that year, against the Dragons at what was then known as Bruce Stadium. He went on to be a key member of the 1994 premiership winning team. He left the Raiders to join the Auckland Warriors (18 games) in 1998 - and subsequently played for the Roosters (43 games) between 1999-2001 and the Dragons (two games) in 2003. Over his career he played 35 games for New Zealand. He was a member of the Raiders' coaching staff in 2009-2010. He sadly passed, after fighting cancer, at the age of 48 in 2019.

Raiders record: 1993-1997, 74 games, three tries, 12 points
47 games at prop, 21 in the second row, six off the bench
One premiership, one grand final, one preliminary final, 10 finals games, eight at prop, two in the second row
Raiders Sponsors Award 1995

Representative record:* 1993-1997 New Zealand, 24 games, including four World Cup games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

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David Shillington: Born in Brisbane, David Shillington made his NRL debut with the Roosters in 2005, making 73 appearances in four seasons. He was recruited to the Raiders on a four year deal, commencing in 2009. He played 131 games for the club, and represented both Queensland and Australia from the Green Machine. He had his finest season in 2010, when he won the Meninga Medal and was named the Dally M Prop of the Year. He is one of only three Raiders to win Prop of the Year, alongside Sam Backo and Josh Papalii. He headed to the Titans after the 2015 season, but played only 11 games for the Gold Coast, before retiring early in 2017. The members of The Greenhouse voted him in at prop in the Canberra Raiders 2010s Team of the Decade.

Raiders record: 2009-2015, 131 games, five tries, 20 points
117 games at prop, 14 off the bench
Four finals games, all at prop
Dally M Prop of the Year 2010
Meninga Medal 2010
Raiders Clubman of the Year 2011
Raiders Coaches Award 2014

Representative record: 2009-2012 Australia, 14 games
2009-2012 Queensland, eight games
2010-2013 All Stars, two games
2009-2013 Prime Ministers' XIII, three games

Troy Thompson: Born in Canberra, Troy Thompson played his junior football with the West Belconnen Warriors. After coming through the Raiders system, he made his first grade debut in Round 21 of 2001 against the Broncos. He went on to play over 150 games for the club, winning the Raiders Player of the Year in 2005. He had one final season in the NRL in 2011, playing seven games for the Melbourne Storm.

Raiders record: 2001-2010, 156 games, six tries, 24 points
80 games at prop, 76 off the bench
Four finals games, one at prop, three off the bench
Raiders Player of the Year 2005, shared with Josh Miller

Representative record: Nil

Dane Tilse: Dane Tilse, the son of inaugural Raider, Mick Tilse, made his NRL debut for the Knights in 2004, playing three matches for Newcastle. An off field incident led to his deregistration for the 2005 season - and he joined the Raiders in 2006. He went on to play over 200 games in green, playing in four finals series. After the Round 7 win over the Tigers in 2015, he headed to England to take up a contract with Hull Kingston Rovers (25 games).

Raiders record: 2006-2015, 201 games, 12 tries, 48 points
116 games at prop, 85 off the bench
Six finals games, three at prop, three off the bench
Raiders Coaches Award 2008, 2011
Raiders Clubman of the Year 2010
Eleventh most games for club - 201

Representative record: Nil

Brent Todd: Brent Todd had played two games for New Zealand before he joined the Canberra Raiders in 1987. He started at prop in the Raiders' first ever grand final that year, and went on to make four grand final appearances in green - and win two premierships (1989,1990). He and Glenn Lazarus formed an underrated prop pairing in the 1989 grand final - and helped lay the platform for the club's first title. He departed for the Gold Coast after the salary cap dramas of 1991, playing for the Seagulls in 34 matches over two seasons. He retired in 1993. Todd played 28 Tests for New Zealand over his career. He was included on the bench by the members of The Greenhouse in the Canberra Raiders 25 Year Dream Team.

Raiders record: 1987-1991, 91 games, no tries, no points
85 games at prop, six off the bench
Two premierships, four grand finals, four preliminary finals. 16 finals games, 15 at prop, one off the bench
Raiders Players' Player 1989
Raiders Most Consistent Player 1991
Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record*: 1987-1991 New Zealand, 20 games, including nine World Cup games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

Paul Vaughan: Born in Canberra, the Gungahlin Bulls junior represented the Raiders in the National Youth Competition in 2010 and 2011. He played with Canberra's feeder club, Mounties, and was named in the NSW Cup team of the Year in 2012. He made his first grade debut in green in Round 7 of 2013 against the Cowboys in Townsville. He went on to win the club's Rookie of the Year. The readers of The Greenhouse voted him into the 2010s Team of the Decade. He left to join the Dragons after the 2016 season (2017-2021, 96 games). After leaving Canberra, he made six Origin appearances for the Blues and two for Australia. He will play for the Bulldogs in 2022.

Raiders record: 2013-2016, 85 games, 16 tries, 64 points
23 games at prop, four at lock, three in the second row, 55 off the bench
One preliminary final, two finals games, both off the bench
Raiders Rookie of the Year 2013

Representative record*: 2013 Italy, three games, all in the World Cup
2014-2016 NSW Country, three games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

David Westley: Born in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, Westley played his junior football in Queensland. He made his debut with the Raiders in 1993, going on to win the club's Rookie of the Year award. He was a part of the 1994 winning grand final team that defeated the Bulldogs. After finishing with the Raiders, he played with the Eels (2000-2001, 33 games) and Northern Eagles (2002, 12 games).

Raiders record: 1993-1999, 98 games, seven tries, 28 points
28 games at prop, 15 in the second row, seven at lock, 48 off the bench
One premiership, one grand final, two preliminary finals, eight finals games, one at prop, one at lock, six off the bench
Raiders Rookie of the Year 1993

Representative record*: 1995-1996 Papua New Guinea
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

Second rowers

David Barnhill: Born in Wagga, David Barnhill was a local Canberra junior before making his first grade debut with the Raiders in the Round 17 clash with the Rabbitohs in 1989. He went on to be a part of the 1990 premiership winning team, playing off the bench in the grand final. He featured in the second row in the 1991 finals campaign, before the Raiders' salary cap woes saw him shift to the Dragons (1992-1996, 111 games). He played in three losing grand final matches with St George. He finished his career in Australia with the Roosters (1997-1999, 58 games), before heading to England to play with Leeds (2000, 28 games). After leaving the Raiders, he played nine Origin games for New South Wales and represented Ireland in the 2000 World Cup.

Raiders record: 1989-1991, 41 games, one try, four points
19 games in the second row, seven at lock, 14 off the bench
One premiership, two grand finals, six finals games, four in the second row, two off the bench

Representative record*: Nil
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

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Gary Coyne: Born in Ipswich, Gary Coyne played for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in Queensland (1983-1985), before being recruited to the Raiders for the 1986 season. He went on to win two premierships and play in four grand finals in green. Many thought he should have been selected for the 1990 Kangaroos tour, but he was overlooked. He still played twice for Australia and 11 times for Queensland. He was tough and nuggety, but he also knew his way to the try line. He scored a record four tries in a finals game - for a forward - against the Sea Eagles in 1991. He was named as one of the Raiders' best 25 players on the occasion of the club's 25th anniversary.

Raiders record: 1986-1992, 159 games, 28 tries, 112 points
107 games in the second row, 37 games at prop, one at lock, 14 off the bench
Two premierships, four grand finals, 17 finals games, all in the second row
Raiders Most Consistent Player 1987, 1989
Four tries in a game, against Sea Eagles, Sydney Football Stadium, September 7, 1991
Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record: 1991 Australia, two games, including one World Cup game
1989-1992 Queensland, 11 games

Ashley Gilbert: Born in the regional town of Crookwell, Ashley Gilbert was a part of the club's inaugural squad in 1982. He made his first grade debut off the bench in 1982 in the Round 12 match against the Panthers at Seiffert Oval, as a 19 year old. He played five games in his rookie season, before going on to appear in the 1987 grand final - and featuring in the 1987 and 1988 finals campaigns. He played only five first grade matches in his final two seasons, mostly off the bench. He was named in the official list of the top 25 players on the occasion of the club's 25th anniversary.

Raiders record: 1982-1990, 133 games, 42 tries, 167 points
68 games in the second row, 38 at lock, one in the front row, 26 off the bench
One grand final, six finals games all in the second row
Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record: 1988 NSW Country, one game

Jon Hardy: A member of the Raiders' inaugural squad, Jon Hardy was the winner of the club's first Player of the Year award. He went to school in Canberra and played with the Queanbeyan Blues before playing in the Newcastle competiton in 1981. The blockbusting runner roughly played as many games for the Raiders at prop, as in the second row, but won the equivalent of the Meninga Medal while playing in the back row. He became the club's first ever representative player, when selected for City Seconds in 1983.

Raiders record: 1982-1995, 54 games
27 games at prop, 26 in the second row, one off the bench
Two finals games, both in the second row
Raiders Coaches Award 2009

Representative record: 1983 NSW City Seconds

Bronson Harrison: Born in Auckland, Bronson Harrison made his NRL debut with the Wests Tigers in Round 4 of 2004 against the Cowboys. He played 80 first grade games with the western Sydney club, before arriving in Canberra for the 2009 season. He was one of the club's best, and most consistent forwards, featuring in the 2010 finals campaign and representing New Zealand. However, he only played 10 games in 2012, and was released for his contract a year early, allowing him to head to the Dragons. He played a further 34 NRL games for St George Illawarra over two seasons (2013-2014).

Raiders record: 2009-2012, 83 games, 11 tries, 44 points
78 games in the second row, five off the bench
Two finals games, both in the second row
Raiders Coaches Award 2009

Representative record*: 2009-2010 New Zealand, nine games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

Brett Hetherington: Brett Hetherington came through the grades at the Canberra Raiders, making his first grade debut in 1992 - in the Round 1 re-match of the 1991 grand final against the Panthers at Canberra Stadium. He brought off the bench in the 14-10 win for the Green Machine. He made enough impression to be named as an official reserve the next week and made 16 appearances in his rookie year. He went on to win a premiership with the club, coming off the bench in the 1994 grand final. He also played in the 1995 and 1997 preliminary finals. He headed to the Cowboys in 1999, playing 23 games over three seasons.

Raiders record: 1992-1998, 119 games, four tries, 16 points
60 games in the second row, 37 at prop, one at lock, 21 off the bench
One premiership, one grand final, 12 finals games, four in the second row, four at prop, four off the bench

Representative record: Nil

Ben Kennedy: Born in Casino, Ben Kennedy was recruited to the Raiders from Manly's club rugby union team. He was named the Rookie of the Year in 1996, aged 22, after playing 15 games in his debut first grade season. His only appearance for the Raiders in a finals game was in 1998 against the Storm in the second row. After off field issues, he decided to head to Newcastle after the end of the 1999 season - where he tasted premiership success in 2001. Kennedy played 86 games for the Knights (2000-2004) before ending his career at the Sea Eagles (42 games, 2005-2006). While at Manly, he twice won the Dally M Lock of the Year and was the Dally M Captain of the Year in 2006. He was also the RLPA Player of the Year in 2006. He made his Origin debut while with the Raiders - and played a total of 13 games for the Blues and 17 for Australia. As it turned out, Kennedy's departure was one of the most costly in the Raiders' history. Only Kennedy's record while at the Raiders should be taken into account in this poll.

Raiders record: 1996-1999, 67 games, 31 tries, 124 points
28 games in the second row, 25 at lock, three at hooker, one at prop, 10 off the bench
One finals game, in the second row

Representative record*: 1999 New South Wales, two games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs



Sia Soliola: Born in Auckland, Sia Soliola made his NRL debut with the Roosters in 2005. He played 92 games for the Sydney side, before heading to St Helens in England (117 games, 2010-2014). When he came back to Australia, it was to Canberra. In seven seasons with the Raiders, he won the Meninga Medal and played 137 games, including the 2019 grand final, at prop. One of the most loved and respected players in Raiders' history, Soliola retired at the end of 2021. The readers of The Greenhouse voted Soliola in on the bench of the 2010s Team of the Decade.

Raiders record: 2015-2021, 137 games, 40 tries, one goal, 162 points
35 games in the second row, 33 games at prop, 21 at lock, 48 off the bench
One grand final, three preliminary finals, nine finals games, four at prop, three at lock, one off the bench
Meninga Medal 2015
Raiders Clubman of the Year 2016
Ken Stephen Medal 2019

Representative record: Nil
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs



Elliott Whitehead: When English player, Elliott Whitehead came to Australia and the Raiders in 2016, he'd already played 177 first class games in Super League - with Bradford and Les Catalans. He's durable, having barely missed a game since his arrival. For a forward, he's a handy ball player and when called upon, he has been able to slot into five eighth, as well as centre. Whitehead ascended to the captaincy of the club in 2021, after Josh Hodgson stood down. He was an important player in the 2016 and 2019 finals campaigns - and has regularly represented England and Great Britain from the club. The members of The Greenhouse voted him into the 2010s Team of the Decade in the second row.

Raiders record: 2016-2021, 144 games, 33 tries, 132 points
130 games in the second row, five at lock, five at centre, two at five eighth, one at halfback, one off the bench
One grand final, nine finals games, all in the second row
Raiders Coaches Award 2017
Fans' Choice Player of the Year 2020, shared with Josh Papalii, Jack Wighton and George Williams

Representative record*: 2016-2018 England, 15 games
2019 Great Britain, four games
* Excludes representative appearances from other clubs

Locks



Shaun Fensom: Shaun Fensom grew up in a small town near Coffs Harbour, joining the Raiders in 2007. He captained the Raiders in the inaugural season of the National Youth Competition, leading the side to a memorable premiership. He was named at lock in the NYC Team of the Year. He made his NRL debut for the Raiders in Round 5 of 2009 against the Sharks. He was a tackling demon. In Round 11 of 2011, he equaled Nathan Hindmarsh's record for the most tackles made in a single rugby league game, making 75 tackles against the Bulldogs. He made a club record 1135 tackles in that season. He twice won the Meninga Medal, judged the Player of the Year at the club. Fensom headed to the North Queensland Cowboys in 2017, playing 35 games over two seasons. He made the only grand final appearance of his career with the Cowboys in 2017, but left the field early due to injury. The Cowboys lost that decider, to the Storm. Fensom also played two matches for the Brisbane Broncos in 2019. Fensom was voted into the 2010s Team of the Decade at lock by the readers of The Greenhouse.

Raiders record: 2009-2016, 139 games, 14 tries, 56 points
128 games at lock, 11 off the bench
Four finals games, all at lock
Meninga Medal 2011, 2012
Canberra Raiders Fans' Choice Player of the Year 2011, 2012
Raiders Clubman of the Year 2014
Raiders Under 20s Player of the Year 2008
Raiders Jersey Flegg Coaches Award 2007

Representative record: Nil

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Dean Lance: Before coming to the Raiders, Dean Lance played 40 first grade games - at centre or five eighth - for the Newtown Jets over two seasons (1982-1983). He played most of his games in green at lock - including the 1987 and 1990 grand finals. However, he mostly played in the second row in his two premiership seasons, including the club's first grand final victory in 1989. He played at lock in the 1990 winning grand final, after Brad Clyde was ruled out late in the season with an ACL. Lance was not a big forward, but he was mobile and tough - and he sure could tackle. He'll long be remembered for his big hit on Steve Roach in the 1989 premiership decider. He was appointed captain of the Raiders in 1986. And while the captaincy was passed to Mal Meninga during the 1989 season, he was still seen as a leader of the club. The readers of The Greenhouse voted him into the top squad of 25, as part of selecting the 35 Year Dream Team. He was also included in the official top 25 players on the occasion of the club's 25th anniversary. He will qualify for a nomination at lock.

Raiders record: 1984-1990, 160 games, two tries, eight points
108 games at lock, 43 in the second row, three at centre, two at hooker, one at five eighth, three off the bench
Two premierships, three grand finals, 13 finals games, eight at lock, five in the second row
Raiders Players' Player 1990
Raiders Clubman of the Year 1984, 1988
Raiders Hall of Fame

Representative record: Nil



Joseph Tapine: Joseph Tapine, born in Wellington, New Zealand, was recruited to the Raiders in 2016 from the Newcastle Knights (20 games, 2014-2015). He has played around the same number of games in the second row as he has at lock - but played at the scrum base in the 2019 grand final. Increasingly, he's become a middle specialist. He is a New Zealand representative.

Raiders record: 2016-2021, 120 games, 21 tries, 84 points
29 games at lock, 30 in the second row, eight in the front row, 53 off the bench
One grand final, nine finals games, six at lock, three off the bench

Representative record: 2016-2019 New Zealand, 11 games, including four World Cup games
2019 Maori All Stars, one game



Alan Tongue: Born in Tamworth, Alan Tongue made his NRL debut with the Raiders in Round 7 of 2000 against the Broncos. He spent a number of years as a bench specialist, before becoming a regular in the squad at lock. He was a renowned tackler, and went on to captain the side in 2007. He was named the Dally M Lock of the Year in 2008 and won the Raiders' Player of the Year in 2006. He retired as one of the Raiders' most loved players - because he gave so much of himself to the club, the supporters and the community... and because he made the very best of his talents through hard work and dedication. The readers of The Greenhouse voted Tongue into the top 25 players on the 35th anniversary of the club. He was named at lock in The Greenhouse Canberra Raiders 2000s Team of the Decade and on the bench in the 2010s Team of the Decade. He was selected at lock in the club's official Team of the Decade 2000-2009.

Raiders record: 2000-2011, 220 games, 31 tries, 125 points
76 games at lock, 50 at hooker, nine in the second row, one at five eighth, 82 off the bench
Six finals games, two at lock, four off the bench
Dally M Lock of the Year 2008
Dally M Captain of the Year 2008
Raiders Player of the Year 2006
Canberra Raiders Fans' Choice Player of the Year 2006, 2007
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Representative record: 2009 NSW Country, one game
2008 Prime Minister's XIII, one game
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greeneyed
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by greeneyed »

I’ve gone Pongia, Shillington, Todd, Coyne and Lance. Not necessarily in that order. Learoyd Lahrs and Tongue… would love to have given them a vote.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by Crash Ball »

I went Lance, Shillington, Todd, Whitehead, Sia. This was the hardest poll, I struggled to leave out players like Tongue, Pongia, Learoyd-Lahrs, Coyne, Kennedy, Fensom, Tapine and even Bateman if he was eligible.
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Roger Kenworthy
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by Roger Kenworthy »

Crash Ball wrote: January 14, 2022, 5:07 pm I went Lance, Shillington, Todd, Whitehead, Sia. This was the hardest poll, I struggled to leave out players like Tongue, Pongia, Learoyd-Lahrs, Coyne, Kennedy, Fensom, Tapine and even Bateman if he was eligible.
Todd over Pongia? Wow.
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greeneyed
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by greeneyed »

Crash Ball wrote: January 14, 2022, 5:07 pm I went Lance, Shillington, Todd, Whitehead, Sia. This was the hardest poll, I struggled to leave out players like Tongue, Pongia, Learoyd-Lahrs, Coyne, Kennedy, Fensom, Tapine and even Bateman if he was eligible.
I personally didn't have any problem leaving Kennedy out. He left the club before he played his best football, and played it for two other clubs. Bit like Kevin Walters only he actually contributed to a premiership. Bateman... I personally can't see how you could be recognised as one of the club's greatest players if you walk out on your deal after playing one and a half seasons. Fensom and Tongue absolute sentimental favourites of mine, but there were better footy players.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by -PJ- »

Geez there’s some legends in that list.

Needs more Trevor Thurling.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by greeneyed »

Dean Lance appropriately leading this poll, I think.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by Crash Ball »

Roger Kenworthy wrote: January 14, 2022, 6:10 pm
Crash Ball wrote: January 14, 2022, 5:07 pm I went Lance, Shillington, Todd, Whitehead, Sia. This was the hardest poll, I struggled to leave out players like Tongue, Pongia, Learoyd-Lahrs, Coyne, Kennedy, Fensom, Tapine and even Bateman if he was eligible.
Todd over Pongia? Wow.
Pongia was great early on but after 94 he never really played consistent footy without missing long stretches because of his discipline and that was a huge downside to his game. So when it came down to giving a spot to a prop, he never played more than a dozen games in a season in the front row whereas Todd played 4 very good seasons there.
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Roger Kenworthy
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by Roger Kenworthy »

Crash Ball wrote: January 14, 2022, 6:53 pm
Roger Kenworthy wrote: January 14, 2022, 6:10 pm
Crash Ball wrote: January 14, 2022, 5:07 pm I went Lance, Shillington, Todd, Whitehead, Sia. This was the hardest poll, I struggled to leave out players like Tongue, Pongia, Learoyd-Lahrs, Coyne, Kennedy, Fensom, Tapine and even Bateman if he was eligible.
Todd over Pongia? Wow.
Pongia was great early on but after 94 he never really played consistent footy without missing long stretches because of his discipline and that was a huge downside to his game. So when it came down to giving a spot to a prop, he never played more than a dozen games in a season in the front row whereas Todd played 4 very good seasons there.
Fair enough looking at the records. Pongia missed a huge amount of games through injury and suspension. On field I'd have him relatively comfortably over Todd but as I mentioned in another thread it's a bias on my behalf having only seen footage of Todd from the 5m days, when players getting belted and errors were much more common.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by Matt »

I've gone Pongia, Shillo, Grant, Coyne and Lance.
Plenty of grunt up front.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by greeneyed »

Surprised you went Grant Matt.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by Lui_Bon »

Where's Nigel Gaffey?
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by greeneyed »

Lui_Bon wrote: January 15, 2022, 10:46 pm Where's Nigel Gaffey?
Not eligible. 23 games.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by -PJ- »

Charlie Gubb 5 games.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by dubby »

Shillington, Todd, Coyne, Lance, Whitehead.

Very difficult to leave out Tongue, Logan, Pongia and a few others
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by Lui_Bon »

greeneyed wrote: January 15, 2022, 10:49 pm
Lui_Bon wrote: January 15, 2022, 10:46 pm Where's Nigel Gaffey?
Not eligible. 23 games.
I wondered - GF though. Never mind

So I went Lance Coyne Grant Pongia Tongue.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by greeneyed »

This poll is scheduled to close to tomorrow.
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Re: 40 Year Canberra Raiders Dream Team: Top 30 Forwards

Post by greeneyed »

Poll declared. All the results so far: https://thegh.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=34903
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