The St George Illawarra Dragons have officially announced their ‘Team Of The Era’ who competed during the historic ‘Never Before, Never Again’ era which spanned from 1956 to 1966.
The St George Dragons conquered all who opposed them in a period of time which saw them claim a world-record 11 straight Premiership victories during this period – to this day a feat which has never been challenged.
The record of the era was extraordinary: 222 first-grade games played during the period, for 183 wins, five draws and 34 defeats.
The Dragons fielded 85 players during this remarkable era with each contributing to the 1,039 tries and 996 goals for 5,109 points.
Furthermore, 42 players took part in the 11 Grand Finals as they went on to score 205 points to 63 – conceding only five registered tries against them in the process.
The ‘Team of the Era’ was selected by an expert seven-man panel which consisted of Geoff Armstrong, Peter Black, Ian Heads, Gary Lester, Roy Masters, Arthur Summons and Larry Writer.
‘Never Before, Never Again Team Of The Era:
Starting Team
Fullback: Graeme Langlands
Wing: Eddie Lumsden
Centre: Reg Gasnier
Centre: Billy Smith
Wing: Johnny King
Five-Eighth: Brian Clay
Halfback: Bobby Bugden
Prop: Kevin Ryan
Hooker: Ken Kearney
Prop: Billy Wilson
Second-Row: Harry Bath
Second-Row: Norm Provan
Lock: John Raper
Interchange
Ian Walsh
Monty Porter
Elton Rasmussen
Brian Graham
18th Man
George Evans
Red V Members and supporters alike also had the opportunity to vote on their own ‘Fans’ Team Of The Era and nominated their starting 13 players as well as four interchange players.
‘Fans Never Before, Never Again Team Of The Era:
Starting Team
Fullback: Graeme Langlands
Wing: Eddie Lumsden
Centre: Reg Gasnier
Centre: Billy Smith
Wing: Johnny King
Five-Eighth: Brian Clay
Halfback: Bobby Bugden
Prop: Kevin Ryan
Hooker: Ian Walsh
Prop: Billy Wilson
Second-Row: Elton Rasmussen
Second-Row: Norm Provan
Lock: John Raper
Interchange
Ken Kearney
Harry Bath
Monty Porter
Dick Huddart
