NRL All Stars: Top 10 Indigenous rugby league players of all time

Arthur Beetson or Johnathan Thurston? Laurie Daley or Greg Inglis? Who is the greatest Indigenous rugby league player of all time? HAVE YOUR SAY

Brent Naden is relishing playing for the Indigenous All Stars. Picture: Tim Hunter

Arthur Beetson may have been snubbed from Sydney’s new $850 million stadium but the Immortal still ranks as the best Indigenous player the game has produced.

Michael Carayannis has outlined his top 10 Indigenous players to celebrate the annual All Stars clash on Saturday night.

After dominating the Queensland competition, Beetson joined Balmain in 1966 and enjoyed successful stints at the Roosters and Parramatta. “Big Artie” helped build the State of Origin concept.

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More recently, though, Beetson was controversially overlooked for the naming of the four grandstands at the new Sydney Football Stadium. The public support has been overwhelming for Beetson in a push to honour his decorated playing career. A mural of the ball-playing prop sits proudly on a Waverley home deep in Eastern Suburbs territory.

Some of the game’s greatest players, including Johnathan Thurston, Steve Renouf and Cliff Lyons are among the list, but where do they rank? Find out below and have your say in our poll.

10: NATHAN BLACKLOCK

142 games for the Roosters and Dragons between 1995-2004, plus two Tests for Australia.

One of the game’s greatest tryscorers, crossing for 121 tries. He became the first player in the game’s history to top the try-scoring tally for three consecutive seasons with his backflip becoming a trademark try celebration. Formed a damaging combination with Anthony Mundine. Should have played for NSW but scored two tries in as many Tests for Australia.

Nathan Blacklock was a try-scoring machine for the Dragons. Picture: Brett Costello

9: SAM THAIDAY

304 games for Brisbane between 2003-18, plus 29 games for Queensland, 34 Tests for Australia and three Indigenous All Stars games.

A decorated playing career reflected by Thaiday’s automatic selection in Australian and Queensland teams for a decade. Thaiday was part of Brisbane’s 2006 premiership win and sits third overall for most games played for the club. Captained Brisbane and was among the game’s most damaging forwards.

Sam Thiday was a fan favourite at the Broncos and with the Maroons. Picture: Evan Morgan

8: STEVE RENOUF

183 games for Brisbane between 1989-1999, plus 13 games for Queensland and 12 Tests for Australia.

The headgear wearing centre was given the nickname “The Pearl”. The moniker suited him given his free-flowing attacking ability. Was part of four premiership wins at the Broncos. His speed was highlighted by his runaway try in the 1992 grand final against St George. Scored three tries for Australia in a Test against France.

Steve Renouf won four premierships at the Broncos. Picture: David Kapernick

7: CLIFF LYONS

332 games for North Sydney and Manly between 1985-1999, plus six games for NSW and six Tests for Australia.

The evergreen Lyons had a career which spanned 15 seasons. Lyons was one of the most gifted ballplayers of his era. Silky skills who had an amazing read on the game. Formed a dynamic partnership with Steve Menzies. The hall of fame inductee won a Clive Churchill Medal in 1987 and was a two time Dally M Medal winner.

Cliff Lyons formed one of the great rugby league partnerships with Steve Menzies at the Sea Eagles.

6: GORDEN TALLIS

214 games for St George and Brisbane between 1992-2004, plus 20 games for Queensland and 16 Tests for Australia.

Dubbed the “Raging Bull”. Tallis lived up to his nickname, soon developing a reputation for being the most feared player in the game. His charging runs, blockbuster hits and aggressive play made him a handful for opposition teams. Won the Clive Churchill Medal in Brisbane’s 1998 premiership win, which would be one of three titles Tallis celebrated.

Gorden Tallis was a powerful ball-runner and punishing defender. Picture: Mark Evans

5: ERIC SIMMS

206 games for South Sydney between 1965-1975, plus one game for NSW and eight Tests for Australia.

A record-breaking goalkicker, who played his entire career at the Rabbitohs. He still has kicked more field goals than anyone else, including five in one game. Adam Reynolds only passed his club record for most career points scored for the Rabbitohs last season. Simms also featured in back-to-back World Cup wins for Australia.

Eric Simms is regarded as one of rugby league’s greatest goalkickers.

4: GREG INGLIS

263 games for Melbourne and South Sydney between 2005-2019, plus 32 games for Queensland, 39 Tests for Australia and five Indigenous All Stars games.

Inglis enjoyed the rare success of dominating in three positions — fullback, centre and five-eighth. He won a Clive Churchill Medal for the Storm in the No.6 jersey before shifting permanently to fullback when he joined South Sydney. A key component of the Rabbitohs’ grand final success in 2014. Captained Queensland, won a World Cup for Australia and was the 2009 Golden Boot winner.

Greg Inglis was a star in three positions during his decorated career. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

3: LAURIE DALEY

244 games for Canberra between 1987-2000, plus 26 games for NSW and 26 games for Australia.

A NSW and Australian skipper. Daley was part of Canberra’s premiership success in 1989, 1990 and 1994. Won the Dally M award in 1995 and was inducted into the hall of fame in 2008. Daley dominated at five-eighth for the Raiders but spent plenty of time in the centres at representative level. Is now the coach of the Indigenous team.

Laurie Daley won three premierships with the Raiders and captained NSW and Australia. Picture: Phil Hillyard

2: JOHNATHAN THURSTON

323 games for Canterbury and North Queensland between 2002-2018, plus 37 games for Queensland, 38 Tests for Australia and six Indigenous All Stars games.

Strong push for Thurston to join the Immortal ranks. Won two premierships and has taken out an unprecedented four Dally M awards. Thurston was just a rookie when he tasted success with the Bulldogs but became a Clive Church Medallist with the Cowboys in 2015. Has often been described as the best player to play the game.

Johnathan Thurston won four Dally M Medals during his career.

1: ARTHUR BEETSON

221 games for Balmain, Eastern Suburbs and Parramatta between 1966-1980, plus 18 games for NSW, three for Queensland and 29 Tests for Australia.

An Immortal for good reason. After dominating the Queensland competition, Beetson had an immediate impact on the NSW Rugby League. He had the skills of a five-eighth but was in the body of a prop. Became an elegant ball-playing forward. In 1973 he became the first Aboriginal to captain Australia. Was retrospectively given a Clive Churchill Medal for the Roosters 1974 grand final win.

Addo-Carr: You’ve never seen All Stars do this

By Fatima Kdouh

A proud Gunggandji, Birrbay and Wiradjuri man, the normally exuberant Josh Addo-Carr has spent the week proudly talking about his heritage.

But on the eve of the All Stars match, the Indigenous captain was uncharastically tight-lipped.

Except to reveal that the Indigenous players have been preparing to unveil a never-before-seen war cry which Addo-Carr will lead in Sydney Saturday night.

“You’re definitely going to be surprised, we’ve got something to show. Doing the war cry, so much emotion goes into it,” Addo-Carr said.

“It’s special for both cultures but I can’t tell you too much.”

Indigenous All Stars captain Josh Addo-Carr is proud of his heritage. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Photos

The war cry, led by the likes of Greg Inglis and Latrell Mitchell in the past, and the Maori haka, have become a showcase piece of the representative fixture.

Among the thousands expected to fill the stands at Commbank Stadium will be a dedicated Addo-Carr cheer squad.

“I’ve got about 30 people coming tomorrow. I had to turn my phone off so people would stop asking for tickets,” Addo-Carr said with a laugh.

“But it’s the first game in Sydney and there are a lot of Indigenous communities around Sydney so it’s going to be packed out.”

While all eyes will be on the new war cry, Indigenous coach Laurie Daley believes two of his rookies are primed to steal the show.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing young Selwyn Cobbo play and Tyrell Sloan. Two young guys with massive futures and when they fill out and are two or three years into their first grade careers they’ll be pretty special guys,” Daley said.

“From what I have seen this week [at training]... you can see them being superstars.”

Nicho Hynes will start at halfback for the Indigenous team. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Brisbane outside back Cobbo and St George Illawarra fullback Sloan will use the annual match to press for round one starting spots.

But the teenage duo aren’t the only players looking to catch the attention of their club coaches.

Plagued by off-field scandal, including a drugs ban, Jayden Nikorima will be playing to resurrect his NRL career at Melbourne.

Exiled for almost six years Nikorima will line-up alongside his older brother and Maori halfback and co-captain Kodi.

“We kicked and passed the ball around on the first day of training and it just brought back memories of when we played together and when we were little fellas in the backyard kicking the ball around,” Kodi said.

“It’s been documented what he’s been through, what he’s done.

“I’m proud of the way he’s turned it around. He’s in such a great system at the Storm, I can’t wait to see what he does this year.”

10 REASONS TO WATCH THE ALL-STARS SATURDAY NIGHT

COTTER ON

Premiership-winner Jake Granville has been given a one-year extension and there is talk Reece Robson is being shopped around from North Queensland.

So, armed with a fresh three-year deal and a mullet as sturdy as his physique, Saturday night is Reuben Cotter’s chance to make an early play for the hooking role long term.

FIT FIFITA

A freak throat fracture left the Sharks big man in an induced coma. Today, the only real reminder of the life-threatening injury is the dark scar from the tracheostomy tube that helped Fifita breathe. “I said to (Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon). ‘Look, I’m more than capable of playing,” Fifita said.

SPEED TO BURN

When asked how he’d fare in a foot race alongside Indigenous teammate Josh Addo-Carr, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow said, “Foxx is quicker than me off the mark, I pick up speed late. But we never had a race.” Between ‘Foxx’, ‘Hammer’ (Tabuai-Fidow) and Selwyn Cobbo, the turf at CommBank Stadium could get a decent workout should any of the three speedsters find open space.

NEW DOGS

Newly-minuted Canterbury teammates and cousins Josh Addo-Carr and Brent Naden will test run their new left edge combination they have fine-tuned over the summer at Belmore.

“Playing alongside family is something you talk about and take with you for the rest of your life,” Naden said.

SHARKS SPINE

Cronulla’s rookie head coach Craig Fitzgibbon will see at least one of his potential spine combinations in Will Kennedy, Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall in action.

“This is the first test for me, It would be pretty special if we can link up well and put a nice try on,” Hynes said.

DOLPHIN-FRIENDLY

Kenny and Jesse Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi and Mark Nicholls headline a recruitment drive at the Dolphins. On Saturday Kenny can prove why he was sought after by Wayne Bennett in what will be his first match since signing with the expansion side.

JAZZ MUSIC

Explosive Maori lock Jazz Tevaga is ready made for the All Stars environment and his club coach Nathan Brown has had to remind him not to hurt his opposing Warriors teammates.

“It will be a bit weird facing Joshy [Curran] but I’ll be looking to take his head off… Browny has already given me a little talking too.. told me if Joshy is in a tackle, don’t be silly. But if he’s in there I’m going to go take his head off,” Tevaga said.

BENCH PRESS

All eyes will be on South Sydney’s Shaquai Mitchell when he takes the field for the Indigenous side, but another towering forward is preparing to make waves of his own. At 114 kilograms and 196cm, Sydney Roosters’ Tukupa Hau Tapuha can show why he’s rated highly at the Sydney Roosters and push for a spot on a bench alongside Egan Butcher and Renouf Atoni.

THE REDEMPTION

Saturday night could be the most important in Nikorima’s ailing league career. The younger brother of Maori halfback Kodi, Jayden hasn’t played a game of elite football in almost six years. Fighting for a spot at Melbourne in 2022, a strong showing will catch the eye of coach Craig Bellamy.

BABY BACKS

Soft spoken but boasting loud talent, Indigenous duo Tyrell Sloan and Selwyn Cobbo get to audition for a round one spot at their respective clubs on the biggest stage. Sloan is all but certain to oust Cody Ramsey for the No.1 jumper at St George Illawarra. With speed to burn, Cobbo has drawn comparisons to two of the game’s best ever Indigenous players, Latrell Mitchell and Greg Inglis.

FOXX TAKES STAND AGAINST TROLLS: ‘NO ONE IS BORN A RACIST’

Indigenous All Stars captain Josh Addo Carr is so used to racism that he is no longer fazed by it.

But ironically, that’s the exact same reason the proud Gunggandji, Birrbay and Wiradjuri man will no longer tolerate online racist trolls. The same reason why he will use his platform to call out racism and even report abuse to the police.

Addo-Carr has been forced to get “used” to racism but he doesn’t want the same fate to befall his two young children.

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“It’s an everyday thing that we all go through,” Addo-Carr said. “It doesn’t really rattle me when it happens because I am just so used to it.

“I feel like we have a community to protect, children [to protect].

Josh Addo-Carr was the victim of vile Instagram messages on Australia Day. Picture: Instagram

“We don’t want our children or anyone else in the community to go through it.

“We have the platform to call it out. Some can’t handle it but I know I have got a strong group of boys in Cody [Walker], Latrell [Mitchell] and everyone part of the All Stars.”

Last month, Addo-Carr was the target of vile racist abuse after he posted a photo of his young family on social media wearing a T-shirt with the Aboriginal flag on it on January 26 with the caption ‘Happy Survival Day my people’. For many Australia Day, which marks the landing of the First Fleet, is a day of celebration, for Indigenous people it marks the beginning of inter-generational trauma.

Addo-Carr reported the online racist attack to police.

“You never hear it to your face,” he said. “Ever since I have been playing rugby league, it has been an everyday thing. The NRL they were really supportive about it. The boss, Andrew Abdo, rang me and just touched base with me, was really pleasing.”

While Addo-Carr will continue to use his profile and platform to call out racism, the 26-year-old also wants to educate the community about his Indigenous culture.

“It’s just educating everyone. No one is born a racist, you are taught it,” Addo-Carr said.

“It’s just educating younger generations to show we are a beautiful culture. We are human, like everyone else. It’s about educating about a culture that was taken away from us.

“We have it on the big stage now where we can show everyone how much it means to us.”

Indigenous athletes have a long history of fighting against racism. St Kilda legend Nicky Winmar famously stood proud, with his Saints shirt lifted, pointing at the colour of skin in response to a torrent of racist abuse at the hands of Collingwood fans in 1993.

The iconic moment was a whole 13-years before Addo-Carr was born, but a moment that would eventually inspire him to be as proud to be Aboriginal and as willing to stand-up against racism.

Addo-Carr even re-enacted the moment during an All Stars game in 2020.

“It’s just a different generation. The platform now is social media, back then they didn’t have social media,” Addo-Carr said.

“He was in the forefront, it happened in person to him. For us, it’s easy to get online and be racist. We’ve got strong leadership within the Indigenous NRL boys. We have each other’s back [to call it out].”

TRIBUTE THAT REDUCED NADEN TO TEARS

When Josh Addo-Carr stood up to address Canterbury teammates on the last day of their camp in Tamworth, Brent Naden figured the flyer was about to tell some “war stories”.

It was a safe assumption, pre-season camps are designed to galvanise teammates through gruelling training sessions and forge bonds through storytelling.

What Addo-Carr had to say left Naden in tears.

“I went into camp with Canterbury at Tamworth and on Friday morning we had a team meeting,” Naden said. “They said, ‘Foxxy has got something to say’. He got up there and he’s always telling war stories.

“He said I won’t be at training next week, I’ll be here with the boys in Indigenous camp.

“I was overcome with all these emotions, I was trying to fight back the tears a little bit. I was very excited and emotional.”

Brent Naden was emotional after being called into the Indigenous All Stars squad. Picture: Tim Hunter

Just over 15 months ago Naden’s life threatened to come crashing down.

After playing in Penrith’s grand-final loss to Melbourne in late October 2020, Naden raised concerns over alcohol issues with the club and checked himself into rehab in November.

Two weeks later, it was revealed the outside back had tested positive to cocaine – which he had used the night before the grand final. He was banned for a month under anti-doping rules and suspended by Penrith coach Ivan Cleary for four weeks.

Earlier that year, in August, Naden was the target of racist abuse from fans in the crowd.

For Naden, the spotlight that came with being part of a successful NRL outfit was overwhelming.

“The biggest learning is, don’t try to be someone you’re not,” Naden said. “We’re just in the spotlight a little bit too much. We’re humans as well, we have emotions.”

While some questioned what Naden’s indiscretion would mean for his NRL career, the 26-year-old said “folding” was never an option.

Brent Naden had a tumultuous time at the Panthers. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Naden fought his way back into Cleary’s side in 2021 and played seven games but was 18th man in the side’s grand-final victory against South Sydney.

“The people I had around me, I had a good support network around me,” Naden said.

“Seeing those guys always happy and so willing to help, I was never going to fold [out of respect] for them.”

Indigenous captain Addo-Carr believes Naden could have “crumbled” but instead put in the work required to turn his life around off the field.

“It goes to show what kind of character he is, he could have crumbled but he rose through it,” Addo-Carr said. “I see it first-hand every day, the way he handles himself. He’s a true leader and he just wants the best for himself and his teammates.

“He deserves the opportunity, I can’t wait to run out with him.”

Despite his tumultuous time at Penrith, Naden reflects on his time at the foot of the mountains fondly.

Josh Addo-Carr is proud of Brent Naden for turning his life around off the field. Picture: Tim Hunter

“I was more worried about the team, wanting to win the comp,” Naden said. “If that meant sitting on the sideline, cheering the boys on and training hard, I had to always be ready.

“It was a tight-knit group. I’m a Bulldog now. New year, new club. Same dream.”

Addo-Carr was full of praise for the way Naden has turned his life around and stayed out of trouble. But Naden left all the praise to his partner, Eden, for helping him be the best version of himself as a man and as a football player.

“I think my partner has a lot to do with that,” Naden said. “She’s helped me out a lot, she’s kept me on the straight and narrow. That’s the track I’m on for good.

“I’m proud of myself, I’ve come a long way in 12 months.

“I’ve overcome a lot of things. To get picked in All Stars is a pretty special moment.”

The couple are expecting their first child in May.