Had a look at that site for Les Boyd, in a lot of the videos he seemed to be playing with a number 9 on his shirt. Did he play hooker over there? (Sorry in advance for drifting).

1. Brett Hodgson

2. Joel Monaghan

3. Matt King

4. Toa Kohe-Love

5. Chris Hicks

6. Lee Briers

7. Alan Langer

8. Adrian Morley

9. Michael Monaghan

10. Gareth Carvell

11. Ben Westwood

12. Trent Waterhouse

13. Paul Sculthorpe



14. Daryl Clark

15. Tawera Nikau

16. David Solomona

17. Brent Grose

In the old NSW comp they numbered the pack in a (to us) unusual manner with the back row wearing 8,9 and 10, the props 11 and 13 and hooker at 12. Can't remember when they changed it to concur with the rest of the RL world. It may have been the advent of Super League.

You must be a similar age to myself, with a much better memory.



I remember dessie, and also have the same memories of him being error prone. I seem to remember a few passes being fumbled into touch with space ahead of him. Then there was the pace that couldn't really be matched. One thing that I don't think is in doubt, is how how tough he was.

On the subject of Dessie, he acquired the nickname of 'Teflon' for his latter years with us. 'Dessie with the non stick hands' one jolly chap used to shout from the scoreboard corner.

Yes he was error prone but was still a great finisher even when the blinding pace had gone and his defence was always fierce despite his technique being his own.

As another poster mentioned we should have tried to get Des and John Woods 3 or 4 years earlier than we did. Woods and Andy Gregory would have been a hell of a half combination.

I enjoyed Mike Forshaw's story about making his debut (for Wigan) against Warrington, and being on the receiving end of Des tackling him with his head, and lying on the ground winded thinking "is rugby league really the game for me...?"

The other thing I remember about watching Dessie run, was how natural his running form was. His head and body were virtually still, carried along by a blur of legs. He looked like a track sprinter with a ball under his arm. Other players who were breaking clear would look like they were straining to stay ahead of the chasers, Des just looked like speed came easy. I don't remember him doing many sidesteps or jinking round people, he just hugged the touchline and backed himself to beat people for speed.

Joel monaghan scored a try per game. Chris hicks scored the best hat trick Wembley has ever seen. Yet every person who has seen dessie play in 87/88 has to choose which one of those 2 to leave out. That tells you all you need to know about Des!

Roughly started watching in 2002/03.



1. Brett Hodgson

2. Joel Monaghan

3. Martin Gleeson

4. Matt King

5. Chris Hicks

6. Lee Briers

7. Chris Sandow

8. Adrian Morley

9. Michael Monaghan

10. Gareth Carvell

11. LAnderson

12. Trent Waterhouse

13. Ben Westwood



14. Daryl Clark

15. Stefan Ratchford

16. Chris Hill

17. Paul Wood



Notable mentions to: Simon Grix, Ben Harrison, Ben Currie pushing at back row/loose forward. At fullback Grose scored some impressive tries but Hodgson really made us tick when he joined along with Monas & Briers. Atkins, Bridge and Hiku all had impressive stints but for raw athleticism I went for King and in terms of pure skill & being able to find your winger I went for Gleeson, regardless of the reputation off the field. Again, same reasons for Sandow based on talent - just so creative and could spark a try out of thin air, although I did love Nat Woods grittiness and never say die attitude. Austin has the potential to displace Sandow if he can continue his good form from last year and stay injury free with us for a couple more years. No wingers other than Charnley really come into my head, in terms of who can win you a game in the final seconds or score a freakish try like them. Hicks’ & Mona’s try scoring records speak for themselves and come the big games they never shied way.



I think our most formidable pack in the last twenty years was when we had the likes Morley, Carvell, Hill, Wood, Harrison and Cooper all rotating off one and other from 2009-2012. It’s a shame and really disappointing we’ve been unable to have a big aggressive intimating pack since that period.. it’s definitely an area we’ve struggled in recruitment wise since the other four above retired/moved on.

Dezzie was exciting to watch, but I do remember the 'error prone' bit and that's really why I put him being Hicks and Monaghan.



I also remember the infamous Boxing Day match at Naughton Park when all hell let loose and Dezzie punched a spectator. That made the national news! (And we lost I think)

Pretty much agree with your sentiments from a 2002/3 starting point.



Sandow was just unbelievable and unplayable during his purple patch. Every time he got the ball he seemed to make things happen.

Such a shame his life was so chaotic off the pitch.

1. Hodgson

2. J. Monaghan

3. King

4. J. Davies

5. Hicks

6. Briers

7. Langer

8. Morley

9. M. Monaghan

10. Hill

11. Westwood

12. Grix

13. Gregory





Clark

Harris

Carvell

Cooper