The A to Z of the NRL – H is for Interesting Rugby League Hair

April 15, 2020

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The A to Z of the NRL continues, and since a haircut is currently an essential service, this time H is for the best Rugby League Hair of all time.

These rugby league style masters would likely need more than the original 30 minutes to perfect some of the best hairdos, and are worth remembering as some of rugby league’s very best.

Of course the 1980s is represented, and there a few different afros and the occasional modern classic on offer, but we believe this greatest rugby league hair list is a quality mix of styles, and attitudes.

Finally, we ask the question who has rugby league’s best hair? Read our list below and make your vote count in the ultimate Best Rugby League Hair poll below.

KEVIN HARDWICK

Kevin “Wild Bill Hickok” Hardwick has already featured in our best facial hair, but really it is all about that magnificent mane.

You think its length almost longer than his career, but he did play 145 times for Balmain between 1982-1990.

So much to like and admire, and why he’s at the top of our best rugby league hair group.

MAHE FONUA

One of rugby league’s finest mullets ever, so much party at the back, and everyone’s invited.

This cult hero was a rare Melbourne Storm player that was actually born in Melbourne. A stint at Hull ahead his time at the Wests Tigers where he was loved for his style of play. And hair.

It wasn’t all just hair, he is a decent player too, and a fan favourite before heading to UK Super League

JASON MARTIN

Look now, it’s Jason Martin of the North Sydney Bears.

Looks like an 80’s singer, maybe a footy playing John Farnham, and for good reason. He released an album back in the day. A picture of which is below, courtesy of Dan’s NRL Collectables.

Could he play, of course, but we’re distracted by the hair. He also played for Newcastle, was one of the original North Queensland Cowboys, and played for Paris Saint-Germain. When they played rugby league.

KEVIN NAIQAMA

Nothing like a hair style that looks like it requires planning permission before going on the field.

A great player too is Kevin Naiqama, and sadly for the Wests Tigers. another one that left to play overseas.

The Fijian international has done pretty well for St Helens too, 22 tries in 32 games since 2019. And yes, that hair remains to keep him warm in the UK.

AKIULA UATE

Time to go from high rise to a highway of hair.

Uate’s strip O hair is one of the best examples of the fine art of the mohawk.

Decent player too with the following stats from his career: three time Dally M Winger of the Year, played for NSW in State of Origin, and played for the the Prime Minister’s XIII, NRL All Stars, Country NSW and the World All Stars team.

Like the player above him, he moved to the UK Super League in 2019.

WILLIE MINOGA

Is there anyone more suited to the mohawk style? Given he played for the PNG Hunters? Well, we dare you to disagree.

The 2017 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final hero had the above haircut done especially for the big game. Not that he needed to look any scarier than usual.

It was certainly worth it as he scored the winning try for the PNG Hunters to go into rugby league folklore. And our best hair list.

JAMAL IDRIS

Ultimately, his NRL career never fulfilled its initial promise, he could have been anything.

But he certainly filled his hair with potential great rugby league hair.

His reggae look certainly was something different to admire.

KIERAN FORAN

Whilst his latter seasons on the field have been underwhelming and injury prone, he should be applauded for his attempt at multiple Game of Thrones characters.

You could argue that his hair isn’t worthy of a place in this list with so much quality, but we beg to differ.

JOSH DUGAN

You can’t have one modern day classic rugby league hair style for an injury prone player whose best days are probably past without including another – Josh Dugan.

Although, worth noting that he did shave it off for charity, so our hat goes off to him.

WILLIE MASON

We picked an early photo of Willie Mason when his hair was full and he wasn’t so hateable.

It was a very fine afro though, and was a pioneer for the modern players.

MATT KING

A classic afro in the style of Sideshow Bob, for a player loved several times more than the Simpson character. Or if you like your cartoons with more edge, he looks a lot like South Park co-creator Matt Stone.

A stalwart for a decade in and for Australia, and a much loved player. He was a battler who made it, after originally retiring at 22.

For his sake and our great rugby league hair edition of the A to Z, we’re glad he did make it.

ELONI VUNAKECE