Sharks champion Brad Ibbs names ultimate dream team

There’s no prizes for guessing which former Maroons legend Brad Ibbs has selected in his Caloundra Sharks dream team, but who else made the cut?

Caloundra Sharks 200-plus clubman and multiple premiership winner Brad Ibbs has selected his ultimate list of teammates. Photo: John McCutcheon.

There’s no prizes for guessing which former Maroons legend Brad Ibbs has selected in his Caloundra Sharks dream team, but who else made the cut?

Ibbs, a decorated Sharks champion who spent more than two decades at the club, has revealed his top 1-17 of his playing career.

Brisbane Broncos legend Allan Langer slotted in at halfback not only for his on field prowess but the culture and antics of it.

Ibbs won two A-grade premierships, three reserve grade premierships and one under-19s title and played more than 200 games for Caloundra.

But the humble man chose not to include himself in the team in a task that he said was quite daunting given the talent at his disposal.

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Playmaker Brad Ibbs looks for space against Caboolture Photo: Warren Lynam

“There have been so many great players and mates that I’m feeling terrible about leaving some out,” Ibbs said.

So what was it like playing with the little general Alfie?

“I’d be pinching myself receiving the ball from him, he was a bloke I’d watched as a kid for the Broncos, Queensland and Australia,” he recalled.

“It was just awesome. And you didn’t realise how far ahead he was until you played with him. He was streaks ahead.”

And off the field?

Kevvie Langer (Alfie’s older brother) was the coach and bonding sessions were compulsory.

“Those boys knew how to party. It was the best club environment we have ever had,” Ibbs told the Sunshine Coast Daily in 2018.

“Everyone bonded together so well. We (shared) quite a few late nights together.”

Here is Ibbs’ ultimate dream team.

1. Fullback: Adam Shuttlewood

Caloundra fullback Adam Shuttlewood evades Noosa defence in 2010.

“Adam played with so much energy and enthusiasm, he wasn’t a big bloke but would hurl himself into the defence line without any self-preservation, this was very inspiring.”

2. Wing: Chris Farrow

“Fast, skilful with great communication, he could just as easily played in the halves better than most.”

3. Centre: Chris Mcgill

Caloundra fullback Chris McGill caused a headache for the defence. Photo: Warren Lynam

“Really competitive and enthusiastic, the bloke never stopped competing no matter what, he could read the game really well and had great ball skills.”

4. Centre: Marty Perkins

“Marty could play centres, backrow and even had a season in the No 8 jersey. Always ran hard at the line challenging the defence, covered the ground really well and was a good defender.”

5. Wing: Wade Clark

“This bloke could do anything, just a natural athlete. Ran the ball very strongly and could save a try with his defence.”

6. Five-eighth: Joe Haywood

“Joe was one of the most skilful blokes I ever came across, he showed everyone up at training regularly. Was very good in the halves and at fullback.”

7. Halfback: Allan Langer

Little Alfie playing in a Men of League Allstars match against the Caloundra Sharks at Shark Park.

“Could sneak into the backdoor of a hotel. I don’t need to comment on Alf.”

8. Prop: Nick Paterson

“Patto was a wild man, big, very strong and played aggressively. He was our prop and led from the front.”

9. Hooker: Luke Ward

Caloundra's Luke Ward in 2010. Photo: Brett Wortman

“Wardy was always competitive and super consistent, you knew what you would get from him every game. There would be heaps of tackles and great service from dummy half, he made a half-back’s life a lot easier.”

10. Prop: Jason Wardrop

“Jason was a great prop. Could play really big minutes, had awesome footwork and a pass that most props don’t have. Scored more tries than most wingers.”

11. Backrow: Dave Warry

“Dave was really fit for a big guy, he ran very hard and tackled even harder. He was another leader we all looked up to.”

12. Backrow: Regan Pratten

Nambour's Dale Mitchell does his best to stop Caloundra's Regan Pratten. Photo: Jason Dougherty

“Regan could play backrow or centre, although there wasn’t enough tackling to keep him happy in the centres. I’ve never seen anyone tackle as hard as Regan, sometimes everyone got hurt including himself.”

13. Lock: Andrew Mckie

“Andrew just never took a backwards step. Not a big bloke by any means but he just never stopped, tackling and generally annoying the opposition in any way he could.”

14. Bench: Wade Grayson

“Waz played very much like Andrew but with less finesse. Just turned up every week and played the same competitive game, always willing to rip in when needed.”

15. Bench: Dom Mazzoleni

Dominic Mazzoleni proves hard to handle. Photo: Warren Lynam

“Dom could play front or backrow. He had a big motor and ran the ball really well with a bit of unexpected footwork. His defence was always strong.”

16. Bench: Damian Gripske

“Damo played hooker and lock very well. He was very strong and fast with great ball skills. He was always challenging the opposition through the middle.”

17. Bench: Graham Murphy

“Murph was great to play with. He was another ultra-competitive guy who competed on everything. Had great ball skills who played as a ballplayer but could take a hit up like a prop two tackles later.”

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