Matthew Johns has left Maroons legend Darren Lockyer out of a list of his top 10 State of Origin players of all-time.
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Lockyer, a former Queensland captain, has the third most Origin caps of all-time with 36, and was named at fullback in Queensland’s Team of the Century.
In the 2006 decider, Lockyer scored the match winning try, intercepting a poor pass from Blues fullback Brett Hodgson to break Blues’ hearts.
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Lockyer kick started a run of eight straight series victories for Queensland, which stretched all the way through until 2013.
Lockyer played in six of those series, through until 2011.
But the Maroons’ dominance continued. The only series they lost between 2006 and 2017 was in 2014, giving them 11 series victories from 12.
Johns said he overlooked Lockyer because he was only there for part of the Maroons’ dominance, whereas others like Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, and Johnathan Thurston were there for all those years.
Johns also left out other Origin legends as well.
“I’ve left GI (Greg Inglis) out. Couldn’t put him in,” Johns said on Matty and Cronk.
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Matty: Munster a “Top 10 Origin player” | 01:10
“I’ve left Brett Kenny out, I’ve left Darren Lockyer out, Gene Miles. Glenn Lazarus, and I’ve left out Steve Mortimer.
“To leave out guys like Lockyer and Gene Miles, Brett Kenny and so on, it’s because that (2006-2017) era, that side that came through and just completely dominated Origin, arguably the greatest Origin run of all-time.”
THE SURPRISE INCLUSION
Johns named current Maroons captain Cameron Munster in his top 10, even though Munster debuted in 2017, the final year of Queensland’s 11/12 run.
Munster has won three man of the match awards in Origin, and also the Wally Lewis Medal in 2020 for player of the series.
“I think when we talk greatest Origin players, removing state bias here, I think (Munster has) got to be in the discussion,” Johns said.
“Just have a look at Munster’s record. From his debut, where he got a man of the match, there’s been very few Origin games where he hasn’t stood up, and he has been the guy in Queensland State of Origin sides that haven’t been as strong.
“That (2006-2017) team that won so many series in a row, Munster came in on the back of that era.
“But then when he came into prominence as a senior player, those sides weren’t as strong.
“Every single time Queensland needs something or needs someone, most of the time, it’s Munster.”
Cooper Cronk disagreed with Johns, and wasn’t able to find a spot for Munster.
“He is the most influential Queensland player today, but I don’t have him in my top 10 Origin players of all-time,” Cronk said.
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THE GAME-CHANGER
Johns included Bradley Clyde, who he said revolutionised the game for lock forwards.
Clyde played 12 Origins and was named in the Country Rugby League Team of the Century.
“He changed the game, how 13s played,” Johns said of Clyde.
“Because 13s used to be clever short side players. The 13 in the English game was the loose forward. (Clyde) was like a second five-eighth.”
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THE PIONEERS
While neither Johns or Cronk could find a spot for Arthur Beetson or Steve Mortimer, they spoke highly of the influence the pair had on Origin.
“I so wanted to put Arthur Beetson in there,” Cronk said.
“Without Arthur, Origin is not what it is.
“What he did in that 1980 game (the first ever) and what he’s done for Queensland in the past.
“He’s almost the pioneer for Queensland.”
Johns said he felt Mortimer had a similar impact for the Blues.
“The one who was a big part of teaching NSW to win and what it took to win, was Steve Mortimer,” Johns said.
“He was the captain in 1985 (when the Blues won their first series), and the players just said he was outstanding. Turvey just rallied the troops and he got it done. He just turned it around so much for us.”
TOP 10 ORIGIN PLAYERS OF ALL-TIME (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)
MATTY JOHNS
Andrew Johns (NSW)
Laurie Daley (NSW)
Bradley Clyde (NSW)
Cameron Smith (QLD)
Billy Slater (QLD)
Johnathan Thurston (QLD)
Mal Meninga (QLD)
Allan Langer (QLD)
Cameron Munster (QLD)
Wally Lewis (QLD)
COOPER CRONK (NAMED 12 PLAYERS)
Wally Lewis (QLD)
Allan Langer (QLD)
Mal Meninga (QLD)
Darren Lockyer (QLD)
Cameron Smith (QLD)
Johnathan Thurston (QLD)
Billy Slater (QLD)
Greg Inglis (QLD)
Brad Fittler (NSW)
Danny Buderus (NSW)
Laurie Daley (NSW)
Andrew Johns (NSW)
