The Greatest Origin Player Ever - ( warning, contains opinion about Lewis) - Eels Blogs

As we approach Origin week, I thought I'd take a different approach to my last origin blog. On that occasion I lamented that I was no longer as inspired by Origin as I once was. Many agreed with me. Fortunately we were then presented with one of the better Origin matches in recent years albeit without the much anticipated blow up.So this time I'm going to be nostalgic in thinking about the greats. Of course, it would be remiss of me to not give an honourable mention to a great Eels moment when the entire NSW backline, fullback excepted, was made up of the Parramatta backs.I've narrowed it down to 3 players - Wally Lewis, Alfie Langer and Brett Kenny.Walls LewisI was not a fan. So why have I included him? Simply because a player cannot be so dominant at Origin level and be ignored. The fact that he could rise above others on the field and lift the Queensland teams to victory, year after year astounded me.So why was I not a fan?Firstly, I couldn't determine what it was about his play that made him so dominant. I didn't think he was particularly blessed with skills. He wasn't exactly a speedster for a back. Without doubt he was tough and antagonistic in the Origin arena.Secondly, I never rated him when he finally played in the Premiership with the Broncos and then the Gold Coast. I didn't think that his week to week form ever matched his Origin form. This led me to question whether his Origin form relied on the quality of those around him. People may debate this and say that he was not in the prime of his career when he finally played against Sydney clubs. I don't buy into that. I believe that his game and skill set did not measure up on a weekly basis.Lewis rates in my top 3 Origin stars of all time but he falls behind the next two.Brett Kenny.This bloke could and did get the better of Lewis at Origin level. His skills, on display for Parramatta during their golden years, translated beautifully at Origin level. Who could forget his try that brought a series win for NSW, long remembered for Turvey's explosion of emotion? As well as being a silky smooth runner of a football with sublime ball skills, Brett Kenny was tough. This was measured by the great man spending the latter part of his career at lock for a Parramatta team that had forgotten how to win. I rate Brett Kenny at number 2 in my list of Origin greats.Alfie Langer.How this little bloke drove me nuts! I hated him when he played for Queensland. I hated him when he played for the Broncos. This is my measure of his worth. He was the player that I hated to see named in those teams. His toughness, skill level and decision making were unequalled at Origin level. This bloke could handle the physical demands of Origin at a time when it was no holds barred. It was also there for all to see as he led his Bronco team around the field to Premiership success. He didn't just lift for Origin. Origin was the jewel in the crown for his performances.So there we have it. My top 3.1. Langer2. Kenny3. LewisOver to you.

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Tayln d-Seriously what are we playin this cunt for.Every time he comes on he does the dumbest shit I've ever fucken seen seriously man.Fcken pissed me of.penis and Kelly-Two of the most attroucious defensive centres I've ever seen in my 15 plus…

Replies

Monster Eel #38 June 30, 2015 at 8:13am

I actually respect Lewis but mine are:

1. Hayne

2. Lewis

3 Kenny

4. Johns/Langer
- the Eggman > Monster Eel #38 June 30, 2015 at 9:32am
  
  And the great pricky left him out of the team a few years ago just to prove some stupid point ,and it cost him a series. What a knob.
sixtiesboy June 30, 2015 at 8:29am

Hayne has been an origin star, above many others. However, I have no current day player in my top 3 as I don't rate the contests of today as highly as the contests of yesteryear. Just my opinion, of course.
Chris June 30, 2015 at 8:51am

Lewis is the best. He made the whole of NSW hate QLD and kick started the passion and excitement of origin. His persona went well beyond the field. He was almost unstoppable on it.

I could never understand why NSW would always pick Kenny in the centres. When he marked Lewis we seemed to win more often than not.
SuperEel 22 June 30, 2015 at 8:54am

How many players won the Brad Fittler medal from the wing?
SuperEel 22 June 30, 2015 at 9:02am

IMO, Johns has to be up there. No other player can be out injured for nearly 18 months, have been retired from Origin, come back and lead a side to a series victory.
Hugo June 30, 2015 at 9:04am

Lewis was the best. In fact the cup should be called the Wally Lewis Cup.
Frank The Tank June 30, 2015 at 9:15am

#1Lewis
#2 Langer
#3 Hayne
#4 Meninga

Back in the day when league was played hard and tough, I would've liked to have seen more of Mark Geyer in the blue Jersey. He was as intense as anyone I've ever seen in a blues jersey. Just a shame he was used to start shite and then deserted when it hit the fan. Paul Harrogan was another I loved watching in the blues jersey.
Threw himself into every tackle.
FAT GUY June 30, 2015 at 9:26am

Camron Smith, Lewis , Langer....now going to stand in the shower for a hour. Fell dirty picking all Queenslanders...
Beeeenice June 30, 2015 at 9:55am

Lewis
Langer
Meninga
Johns
Lockyer
Kenny
Hayne
C.Smith

of 11

This reply was deleted.

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