Daley, Thurston, Beetson, Tallis: Greatest combined Indigenous State of Origin side ever

Players with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage have dominated rugby league’s highest level for decades. We reveal the greatest combined Indigenous State of Origin side. VOTE HERE

There’s Daley, Thurston, Inglis and Tallis. Peerless heroes.

What about Renouf and Latrell? And don’t forget big slammin’ Sammy Backo.

Indigenous champions and standard-bearers.

But there will always be one Aboriginal warrior who eclipses the rest – the unparalleled Arthur Henry Beetson.

Beetson is the godfather of State of Origin – a revered figure who towers above the rest.

To mark Indigenous Sport Week – and to further hype-up Wednesday night’s massive State of Origin decider in Sydney – I have been asked to select my greatest Indigenous State of Origin side.

Players with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage who have dominated rugby league’s highest level.

And only one could be captain, mentor and leader – Beetson, whose mother, Marie Loder, was one of the stolen generations.

Big Artie, the Immortal who played for Sydney clubs Balmain, Easts and Parramatta, led Queensland into war – with white chalk famously smeared across the front of his jumper - during the first-ever State of Origin game at Lang Park back in 1980.

“Dad created a legacy not only in State of Origin but also as captain of Australia that is on-going,” said Brad Beetson, Arthur’s son.

Arthur Beetson is the godfather of Origin. Picture: Geoff McLachlan

“The pride I have in what he achieved … his love of the game will continue.

“Dad was incredibly proud of his heritage. He travelled a lot to Indigenous communities and understood the passion and power of rugby league and how the game can drive change for Indigenous people.”

Picking an all-time best Indigenous Origin side was supposed to be fun – it became torturous. So many legends, too few spots.

Greg Inglis terrorised NSW defences for years. Picture: Peter Wallis

Given the huge array of centres, I chose Greg Inglis to fullback although he rarely played that position in Origin. Queensland’s Colin Scott was unlucky.

I hated omitting Justin Hodges from the run-on side but couldn’t overlook Latrell Mitchell and Steve Renouf.

Laurie Daley and Johnathan Thurston pick themselves in the halves.

Hooker was a challenge. I’ve gone with Connor Watson given he’s 80 minutes from claiming a second Origin series. John Doyle, Nathan Peats and PJ Marsh were other candidates.

Watson was modest and humble when told he was included in my side.

“Really?” he asked. “Surely Peats. I’d go for Peats because he started and played 80 minutes. He was a gun.

“There are so many talented Indigenous players and I don’t feel I should be mentioned among them but I appreciate it.”

Current NSW coach Laurie Daley was one of the first picked.

This masthead then read out the entire team to Watson.

“Wow, what a crazy team,” he said. “No Matty Bowen? Really?

“The impact Indigenous players have had on the NRL and State of Origin – some of the biggest moments have come from those players.

“For Indigenous kids, and kids in general, they aspire to go out and play in those jerseys. It’s pretty special to be able to represent on the biggest stage, it’s pretty cool.”

Scroll down to vote for the greatest Indigenous State of Origin player in each position

I would love to have found a spot for 18th man Jack Wighton but who misses out?

Andrew Fifita, the player compared to Beetson after a barnstorming individual performance in game one, 2017, was added to an ‘unlucky omissions’ category.

The back-row comprising Greg Bird, Gorden Tallis and Sam Thaiday offers fire power, while Beetson and Backo provide size and toughness through the middle.

Sam Thaiday adds some power to the back row. Picture: AAP Image/Action Photographics, Colin Whelan

Having to omit Matt Sing, John Ferguson, Steve Ella, Cody Walker, Matt Bowen, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Andrew Fifita, Anthony Mundine, Bradman Best and Reuben Cotter, Wade Graham, Scott Prince, Timana Tahu and Dane Gagai was damn hard.

Shearer, a State of Origin master, pipped Addo-Carr for a wing spot alongside Wendell Sailor. I chose a ceremonial bench which included Hodges, Cliff Lyons, Josh Addo-Carr and Carl Webb.

“Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders love rugby league and there have been so many great Indigenous players that have played State of Origin,” said Daley, the current NSW coach.

“They showcase their skills, are wonderful athletes and have so much ability.

“The players love representing their culture and families and they love to step up in those big moments.”

Originally published as Daley, Thurston, Beetson, Tallis: Greatest combined Indigenous State of Origin side ever