Here is a list of 10 of the best National Rugby League (NRL) teams of all time based on their achievements, statistics, and overall performance.
- Melbourne Storm (2006-2012) The Melbourne Storm is considered by many as one of the greatest rugby league teams of all time, having won the NRL Premiership four times in the span of five years from 2007-2012. They also won the Minor Premiership in 2006, 2007, and 2011. During this time, the Storm boasted a 90% win rate and scored an average of 25 points per game. They were known for their dominating defense, only allowing an average of 12 points per game in 2011, the lowest in NRL history.
- St George Dragons (1956-1966) The St George Dragons achieved a remarkable 11 consecutive premiership titles from 1956 to 1966, a record that still stands today. During this period, they had a win percentage of 81.8% and scored an average of 20.4 points per game while only allowing 9.4 points per game.
- Brisbane Broncos (1992-1998) The Brisbane Broncos won five premierships in the span of seven years from 1992 to 1998, including back-to-back titles in 1992 and 1993. During this time, they had a win percentage of 71% and scored an average of 24.2 points per game. They were known for their attacking prowess, scoring 58 tries in 1997, the most by any team in NRL history.
- South Sydney Rabbitohs (1967-1971) The South Sydney Rabbitohs won four premiership titles in five years from 1967 to 1971, including three consecutive titles from 1967 to 1969. During this period, they had a win percentage of 81.1% and scored an average of 17.3 points per game while only allowing 9.2 points per game.
- Canterbury Bulldogs (1984-1988) The Canterbury Bulldogs won three premiership titles in five years from 1984 to 1988, including back-to-back titles in 1984 and 1985. During this time, they had a win percentage of 72.2% and scored an average of 18.3 points per game. They were known for their strong defense, only allowing an average of 12.9 points per game in 1986.
- Parramatta Eels (1981-1986) The Parramatta Eels were one of the dominant teams in the 1980s, winning four Minor Premierships and making it to four Grand Finals in six years from 1981 to 1986. During this time, they had a win percentage of 67.4% and scored an average of 19.3 points per game. They were known for their attacking flair, scoring 46 tries in 1982, the most by any team in a season at that time.
- Sydney Roosters (2018-2019) The Sydney Roosters became the first team to win back-to-back NRL Premierships in the NRL era since the Brisbane Broncos in 1992 and 1993. During this time, they had a win percentage of 79.2% and scored an average of 23.1 points per game while only allowing 13.3 points per game. They were known for their disciplined and structured defense, conceding only 7.4 penalties per game in 2019,
- Manly Sea Eagles (1972-1973) The Manly Sea Eagles won back-to-back premierships in 1972 and 1973, with a dominant team that included legends such as Bob Fulton and Graham Eadie. During this period, they had a win percentage of 73.5% and scored an average of 19.5 points per game while only allowing 10.5 points per game.
- Canberra Raiders (1989-1994) The Canberra Raiders won three premiership titles in the span of five years from 1989 to 1994, including back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990. During this time, they had a win percentage of 66.4% and scored an average of 21.6 points per game. They were known for their attacking flair, scoring 100 tries in 1990, the most by any team in NRL history.
- North Queensland Cowboys (2015) The North Queensland Cowboys won their first ever NRL Premiership in 2015, led by the inspirational Johnathan Thurston. They had a win percentage of 63.6% and scored an average of 23.8 points per game while only allowing 17.3 points per game. They were known for their resilience and ability to win close games, with Thurston kicking a golden point field goal in the Grand Final to secure victory.
Overall, these teams were successful due to a combination of factors such as strong team culture, talented players, innovative coaching, and effective game plans. They were able to dominate their opponents through a combination of attacking flair and disciplined defense. These teams set the standard for excellence in the NRL and will always be remembered as some of the greatest rugby league teams of all time.
FAQ
What is the NRL? The National Rugby League (NRL) is the top-level professional rugby league in Australia and New Zealand. It is considered to be one of the toughest and most physically demanding sports in the world.
How many teams are in the NRL? There are currently 16 teams in the NRL, with 15 teams from Australia and one team from New Zealand.
When does the NRL season start and end? The NRL season typically starts in March and ends in October, with a total of 25 rounds of regular-season games followed by a four-week finals series.
How are NRL games structured? NRL games are played with two teams of 13 players each, with each team allowed four interchange players. Each game consists of two 40-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime break.
How are NRL teams ranked during the regular season? During the regular season, teams are ranked based on the number of points they accumulate. Two points are awarded for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss.
What is the NRL Grand Final? The NRL Grand Final is the championship game of the NRL season, played between the two best-performing teams in the finals series. The winning team is awarded the NRL Premiership trophy.
Who are some of the best NRL players of all time? Some of the best NRL players of all time include players such as Andrew Johns, Darren Lockyer, Wally Lewis, Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith, and Billy Slater.
How can I watch NRL games? NRL games are broadcast on television and can also be streamed online through various streaming services. You can check the NRL website for more information on how to watch games in your region.