South Sydney Juniors Team of the Century

16th May 2008

Two current Rabbitohs players are in contention to be named in the South Sydney Juniors Team of the Century at a gala event on the 16 May at the AJC Centre at Royal Randwick Racecourse. Nathan Merritt and Craig Wing are amongst 40 stars to be short-listed as part of South Sydney Juniors Centenary celebrations in 2008. Former Australian cricketer Michael Whitney, a La Perouse junior, will host the Centenary Ball, and he will be joined Souths Juniors president Keith McCraw described as "a who's who of Rugby League".

Souths Juniors have developed over 40 international representative players and is one of the most successful junior leagues in Sydney. "The area's a Rugby League stronghold, and there's a great tradition of Rugby League greats," Mr McCraw said. The South Sydney Juniors Team of the Century, compiled by league experts, Ian Heads, Alan Clarkson, Tom Cocking, Frank Cookson, Rod Gorman, Henry Morris, John Riordan and Brad Ryder, will be unveiled at the Centenary Ball. Souths legends Eric Simms, George Piggins and Bob McCarthy are among those in the running to be named in the side. Tickets to the Centenary Ball are $150 a head or a table of ten is $1500.

The list of Souths Juniors Team of the Century nominees are:

Fullback: Gordon Clifford, Kevin Longbottom, Don Murdoch, Eric Simms.
Wing: Ray Branighan, Harold Horder, Graham Lyons, Nathan Merritt, Eric Simms, Benny Wearing.
Centre: Ray Branighan, Greg Hawick, Terry Hill, Brian Moore, Paul Sait.
Five-eighth: Braith Anasta , Alf Blair, Greg Hawick, Harry Kadwell, John Peard.
Halfback: Craig Coleman, Harry Kadwell, Clem Kennedy, Percy Williams, Craig Wing.
Lock: Ron Coote, Les Cowie, Jim Dymock, Greg Hawick, Reni Maitua, Paul Sait.
Second-row: Brian Hambly, Bob McCarthy, Alf O'Connor, Frank O'Connor, Gary Stevens, George Treweek.
Front-row: Denis Donoghue, Brian Hambly, Arthur Oxford, Ian Roberts, Eddie Root, Craig Salvatori.
Hooker: Mario Fenech, Ernie Hammerton, George Piggins, Jim Serdaris, Craig Wing.

In a wonderful glittery occasion at the AJC. Mario Fenech gave a heartfelt impassioned speech. And throughout the night each of the winners spoke humbly and provided a glimpse into the history of not only the juniors but the game of rugby league. The South Sydney Junior Rugby League District announced their Team of the Century as follows 

Flbk - Simms, Eric (La Perouse)
Wing - Horder, Harold (SS Kinkora)
Cntr - Sait, Paul (Matraville Tigers)
Cntr - Branighan, Ray (Moore Park)
Wing - Wearing, Benny (Redfern Ionas)
5/8  - Hawick, Greg (Alexandria Rovers)
Half - Kennedy, Clem (Cleveland Street)
Lock - Coote, Ron (c) (Kensington United)
SRow - McCarthy, Bob (Moore Park)
SRow - Treweek, Geroge (Mascot)
Prop - Hambly, Brian (Mascot)
Hook - Piggins, George (Mascot)
Prop - Roberts, Ian (Mascot)
 
Res  - Hill, Terry (Zetland)
Res  - Wing, Craig (Maroubra/Coogee-Randwick)
Res  - Coleman, Craig (Waterloo Waratahs) 
Res  - Stevens, Gary (Chelsea United)

Coach - Alf Blair (Waterloo Albions)

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