Make a case for the top 13 rugby league players of all time with one player per position
Choosing the top 13 rugby league players of all time is a challenging task, as it's largely subjective and depends on specific factors such as era, league, and personal preference. However, considering their impact on the game, overall skills, and career achievements, here's one possible all-time starting 13:
1. Full back: Billy Slater (Australia) - Arguably the best full-back in history, Slater was instrumental in countless victories for Melbourne Storm, Queensland, and Australia.
2. Winger: Brian Bevan (Australia/England) - Bevan is the top try-scorer in rugby league history with an incredible 796 tries in his career.
3. Centre: Mal Meninga (Australia) - A prolific centre, Meninga had an illustrious career with the Canberra Raiders and the Australian national team.
4. Centre: Reg Gasnier (Australia) - Gasnier was an extraordinary talent whose speed and agility made him nearly impossible to contain.
5. Winger: Ken Irvine (Australia) - Irvine is acknowledged as one of the sport's greatest-ever finishers with an amazing try-scoring record.
6. Stand-off: Wally Lewis (Australia) - Known as "The King," Lewis dominated in the 1980s with his amazing skill set, and he was instrumental in many Queensland Origin victories.
7. Scrum-half: Andrew Johns (Australia) - Often called the greatest player of all time, Johns' career was filled with extraordinary performances.
8. Prop: Arthur Beetson (Australia) - Beetson was the first Indigenous Australian to captain his country in any sport, and his impact as a prop-forward was immense.
9. Hooker: Cameron Smith (Australia) - With more NRL games than anyone else, Smith's consistency, leadership, and skill over a long career set him apart.
10. Prop:
Ruben Wiki (New Zealand) - A physical powerhouse, Wiki was a key part of the New Zealand Warriors' team and the first Kiwi to play 300 NRL games.
11. Second-Row: Gordon Tallis (Australia) - Tallis was a dominant force in the second-row with an aggressive style of play.
12. Second-Row: Garry Schofield (Great Britain) - Known for his game anticipation skills, Schofield is celebrated as one of the best British players of all time.
13. Loose Forward: Ellery Hanley (Great Britain) - A phenomenal athlete who possessed both power and pace, Hanley was named Man of Steel three times during his career.
Please note that the list could vary widely based on individual opinions, and many other great players could easily make the cut.