Welcome back to another edition our new Rugby League hit – The NRL Forgotten Player Smackdown.
As our mantra of The Gurgler in general is celebrating the forgotten, what better way to relive some of our old Rugby League memories with a weekly or more likely occasional head to head battle of two of the past’s finest.
For our second ever Smackdown, we’ve decided to nut out which forgotten player has the manliest name.
For the record Paul Hauff won our Fullback poll.
We’ve only included a sample – feel free to suggest some down below.
STEELE RETCHLESS
How could you have a manliest name smackdown without Steele Retchless. The former Crusher, and Brisbane and London Bronco also represented the USA. Over 200 of his 238 games were played overseas.
BRETT LE MAN
Another no-brainer for manliest name. He will likely always (and only) be remembered for scoring the Broncos first try in 1988.
TONY MESTROV
With a name sounding like a Bulgarian Arm Wrestling champion, he may have been a forgotten name of the past. Played for Manly and Souths in Australia, and won a UK Super League title with Wigan, and also played for the London Broncos.
SAM BACKO
With a name to match the on field toughness, Sam Backo was a fans favourite in his heyday of the 1980’s. He made a Grand Final for Canberra and played for Qld and Australia no less.
MARK SARGENT
Any military name sounds manly and Mark Sargent matched that on the field. Played for Canterbury, but mostly associated with the Newcastle Knights and their Henny Penny sponsored jersey at Marathon Stadium. Also played origin and tests.
CRAIG GRAUF
As obscure as they get, coincidentally played a part in the Broncos first try for the above Brett Le Man. Only a brief NSWRL career, but quite the success in the Queensland Cup.
SCOTT TRONC
Played just under 100 games of first grade from Wests in Sydney to Souths via Broncos and Canterbury. Played 1 origin in 1988.
TONY but not Kevin IRO
We could only select one Iro brother and Tony sounds better than Kevin. Elder brother Tony played 200+ games of first grade and 24 Tests for NZ. Some of his clubs are Gurgler favourites – Hunter Mariners and Adelaide Rams. Also famed for running 50m backwards to ensure a rare Adelaide Rams win.
BILLY NOKE
Not sure why, but it just sounds manly. Played in a losing Grand Final for the Dragons amongst 100+ games.
Can you name more? Do it! Enter your thoughts below.
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