rmd said:
As much as I Iove the Beaver, having watched and supported Manly since 1968, Bob Fulton would be my first pick in any team and in the backrow I'd have Reilly, Norton and Lowe/McCabe with Beaver off the bench. He's a brilliant player but in the early ruck I'd still have the others mentioned starting the game.
I mean no disrespect, but to mention Paul McCabe in this company blows my mind. Not saying he was a bad player, and I know he played some rep footy while with us, but I'd put 10 blokes ahead of him. Have you forgotten Daniel Gartner, Ronnie Gibbs, Choc, even the Fat man - blokes who won us competitions. Maybe you saw something I missed.
Agreed Andy that we tend to forget the stars of the past. But I think Menzies is up there. Highest try scoring forward in history. Such a dominent personality on the field for so long. But I would caveat that Cliffy was also in the best ever Manly side, because they were a double act.
My forward line up as best ever for Manly is;
O'Neill, Krillich, Bull, Randall, Menzies, Reilly.
Backs:
Toovey, C. Lyons, Irvine, J. Lyon, Fulton, B. Stewart, Eadie
Reserves:
Kennedy, Hasler, Watmough, G. Stewart
Been watching the game since 1966. Never saw Bull but understand he was awesome. The rest I've seen to measure up with each other. Brett Stewart on the wing in this team would be scoring as frequently as Irvine did and allows Eadie into the side.
Only regret is that I cant find a spot for Johnnie Gibbs. For two or three seasons he was untouchable and superior to Steve Mortimer, who was around at the same time. Virtually won some games by himself with startling jinking and pace. Barba reminds me a little of him but even Barba isnt as good...yet. But Gibbsy had two flaws. His defence was quite average and his career was cut short just when he was about to reach his peak with international play through bad knees, like Reilly. Big shame. He was very entertaining and for entertainment value in the backs at Manly would come in third behind Fulton and Cliff Lyons.