All-Australian Vodafone Warriors 17
Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi! In honour of Australia Day we've selected an All-Australian Vodafone Warriors playing 17.
FULLBACK: There was never a dull moment when the feisty Wade McKinnon was on the field. His explosive runs featured on many highlight reels during his time at the club.
WING: Lee Oudenryn, once touted as the fastest man in rugby league after beating the high flying englishman Martin Offiah in a 100m sprint.
CENTRE: John Carlaw, a strong defender who brought plenty of experience to the squad the on the way to the club's maiden grand final.
CENTRE: Brent Tate, dogged by injury throughout his career the classy centre persevered winning an NRL Premiership with the Broncos, playing 23 games for Queensland and 26 for Australia. He played 48 games for the Vodafone Warriors.
WING: Justin Murphy, the nippy NSW-born winger played 43 games for the club including the 2002 Graphic Final.
STANDOFF: Michael Witt, was a fantastic goal kicker during his time at the club but will alway be remembered for that winning try against the Storm in 2008.
HALFBACK: 'Brandy' was one of the biggest signings in the club's inaugural season. He played 37 games for the club before returning to Penrith.
PROP: Richard Villasanti was a revelation during his time at the Vodafone Warriors with his hard running aggressive style earning him the nickname 'Vila the Gorilla'. He played 96 games for the club.
HOOKER: PJ Marsh was one of the club's best during his 35 games with the Vodafone Warriors. His time at the club was cut short due to neck injury.
PROP: Former captain Steve Price was a true metre-eater who always provided a solid platform for his backs carting the ball.
SECOND ROW: Kevin Campion was one of the toughest characters to put on the jersey spilling plenty of blood during is 44 games at the club.
SECOND ROW: The courageous Michael Luck never took a backwards step during his time at the club and gave his all in everything he did.
LOCK: Jason Death a.k.a 'Dr Death' was a versatile and competitive player on the field and a good bloke off it.
RESERVE: Justin Morgan, an experienced campaigner who helped take the club to the 2002 Grand Final. Morgan has since rejoined the club as an assistant coach.
RESERVE: An astute fullback and goal kicker, we had to squeeze him in the team. He can also play in the centres and on the wing.
RESERVE: Tookey! Tookey! Tookey! Mark Tookey was always a crowd favorite with the Mount Smart faithful.
RESERVE: Robert Mears provided plenty of energy out of dummy-half. He was voted the club's player of the year in 2000.
The New Zealand Warriors honour the mana of the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa, Australia and the Pacific. We acknowledge the traditional kaitiaki of the lands, elders past and present, their stories, their traditions, their mamae and their mana motuhake.
