A Dream 13 of Players Who Excelled in Origin and Super League

The 2024 State of Origin series gets underway this week, and rugby league enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the clash between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons. As we gear up for the highly anticipated event, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the greats who have etched their names in the annals of both the Origin series and Super League.

Only a select few players have had the distinction of representing their state in the Origin clashes and gracing the fields of Super League. These individuals have cemented their legacies as true icons of the sport, with one even earning the coveted status of an Immortal. Prepare to be captivated as we present a Dream 13 of players who have shone brightly in both the Origin arena and the Super League competition.

The Dream 13

“These players have cemented their legacies as true icons of the sport, with one even earning the coveted status of an Immortal.”

Backline

• Matt Bowen, the former Wigan Warriors fullback who made a significant impact during his two-season stint in the English top flight.
• Matt King, who terrorized defenses during his four-year spell with the Warrington Wolves.
• Greg Inglis, whose brief but impactful three-game tenure with the Warrington Wolves pales in comparison to his remarkable 32-appearance Origin career with the Maroons.
• Jamie Lyon, who arrived at St Helens with a modest profile but quickly established himself as one of the finest players in Super League.
• Brett Dallas, the Wigan Warriors stalwart who spent seven seasons in England, scoring over 100 tries in nearly 200 appearances.

Halves

• Allan Langer, the sole player in history to be selected for Origin while actively playing for a Super League club.
• Andrew Johns, who may have only graced the Super League with 3 appearances for Warrington Wolves, but his illustrious career, which included over 20 appearances for both New South Wales and Australia, ensures his inclusion in this elite company.

Forward Pack

• Mark O’Meley, who earned 10 Origin caps for New South Wales and 15 for Australia before joining Hull FC in Super League.
• Danny Buderus, with over 20 appearances for both the Blues and the Kangaroos, was a fan favorite during his three-season stint with the Leeds Rhinos.
• Willie Mason, the larger-than-life forward who enjoyed a brief but memorable spell with Hull KR and Catalans Dragons.
• Steve Menzies, who made a significant impact during his time with the Bradford Bulls and Catalans.
• Craig Fitzgibbon, the former Sydney Roosters stalwart who spent two seasons with Hull FC in Super League.

This Dream 13 of players who have graced both the Origin series and Super League is a testament to the depth of talent that has been showcased in these prestigious competitions over the years. As the 2024 State of Origin series gets underway, rugby league fans can reminisce about the exploits of these icons and eagerly anticipate the next generation of stars to etch their names in the sport’s rich history.

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