Hunter Harley selects his best Blue Boars team (2002-2020)

Narrabri Rugby Club’s 2020 first grade coach Hunter Harley has played either against or for, or coached the Blue Boars since 2002.

The Courier asked him to put together a best team of the past 18 seasons of Narrabri rugby.

Hunter said that the challenge had proven rather difficult and that he made numerous changes while selecting the side.

He said that he omitted players like Jack Maunder and Henri Knight who were still currently playing, but they could finish their careers alongside some of the names he has picked.

Likewise, Hunter left out gun centre Will McDonnell for the simple fact that he has played most of his senior rugby in Sydney, but said that he was a great talent who would be in all great team conversations when he comes home and finishes his career playing at Dangar Park.

Hunter also selected a bench that would meet the proper criteria for a game day team, who were not necessarily ranked 16th to 23rd best.

Hunter’s team is as follows:

1 – Henry Curtin:
“A standout in the three grand final appearances seasons I coached from 2013 to 2015. Mainly played second row but was club best and fairest in 2013 at loosehead prop.”

2 – Luke Findley:
“Has a great lineout throw, good scrummager and devastating out wide close to the line. A very good skill set for a big man. Narrowly selected over Steve Wood who had a great work rate.”

3 – Drew Chappell:
“A very strong tight head. Was a very solid performer in the 2002 to 2004 sides which were up against a star-studded Moree pack.”

4 – Sam Clements:
“Had a great running game and rugby nous. Was also good in the lineout. Could play number eight if required.”

5 – Todd Farrer:
“Most under rated player in the zone for more than a decade. Can read a game and has a high work rate, was the aggressor for most of the blue boars sides he played in. Most consistent even in the lean years. Lack of speed meant his backrower days finished prematurely.”

6 – Brock Johnstone:
“Massive motor which meant his work rate was endless. Very good at the breakdown and defensively.”

7 – Tim O’Brien (vc):
“Probably the best forward in country rugby even in his last season. Outstanding on-baller that continually slowed or stole the opposition’s ball. In attack was constantly there helping recycle quick ball and create opportunities for speed men out wide.”

8 – Jamie Syme:
“A very clever number eight whose positional play was outstanding. Great running game that was constantly creating opportunities in attack. Was also extremely tough at the breakdown. Sometimes guilty of over-playing his hand. Just pipped Camo Williams who was the mainstay of the pack in his playing era.”

9 – Matt Schwager (c):
“The first player picked. An outlier when it comes to game management. Very good at dictating the tempo of the game à la Cameron Smith. Possesses a great passing game and a deft tactical kick. Also keeps defenders around the ruck with a very understated running game.”

10 – Chris Fowler/ Kenny Anderson:
“I haven’t been able to split these two so they play a half each. Very solid kicking and passing games the both of them. Kenny was probably more dominant in attack and defence but Toffer was a more consistent team organiser albeit his longevity at pivot. Also kicked goals.”

11 – Michael Cain:
“A great finisher and goal kicker. The most sought after back three player of his era. Very calm under pressure. Handled 15 with aplomb and was the custodian in the 2015 premiership. I also liked his limited days at 13, had great feet.”

12 – Mitch Kelly:
“Always wins the tackle in the midfield from a trademark swerve at the line and gets the forwards rolling forward from his starters. Seldom misses a tackle or turns the football over.”

13 – Sean Russ:
“Just an out and out footballer who is back in Blue Boars colours again this year. Narrowly selected over Tim Whan and Dave Boyle at outside. Sean hits very hard defensively and has a great ability in attack of creating space for his outside men. Also can offload in traffic and create second phase play. Very good at 12 as well.”

14 – Tim Vaughan:
“A great player who is still plying his trade occasionally for the Blue Boars. He was dynamic in attack and defence for the early 2000 sides and was also a part of the last two premiership sides making him probably the most successful Blue Boar of the modern era. Was a handful to tackle possessing great leg drive. His passing game was best suited to running the chalk.”

15 – Archie Walter:
“Had a great skill set and could play a range of backline positions. Narrowly selected at custodian over Brenton Cochrane and Matt Panton. Individually as talented as any player in the zone in his era.”

Bench: 16 – Steve Wood, 17 – Beau Brummell, 18 – Tom Vaessen, 19 – Cameron Williams, 20 – Kenny Anderson/Chris Fowler, 21 – Henri Knight, 22 – Matt McDonnell, 23 – Tim Whan.