10 Best Players To Never Win A Grand Final (NRL)

Winning a grand final is what most rugby league players aspire to accomplish. It’s the satisfaction knowing that you’ve trained and played all season so you can be holding up that trophy in the first weekend of October.
These players accomplished a lot over their decorated rugby league careers, but never ended up winning the big one. For this list, we will be using the same criteria points for our ranking of the 10 Greatest rugby league players of all time list being:
- Their all-around skill level in both attack and defence
- The individual awards and accolades they have won over their career
- The impact they had on both their clubs and representative teams success
- The amount of grand finals and competitions they have won (not included for obvious reasons)
Considering it’s a first grade competition, grand final wins in the Brisbane Rugby League will count as a grand final win so Wally Lewis will not be considered for this list...
10 Greatest Rugby League Players Of All Time: • 10 Greatest Rugby Leag...
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DISCLAIMER: We do not own any of the images and videos used in this video. We have referenced each source where we found images and videos in the bottom left of the screen accordingly. All images were retrieved from Google Images and are owned by the respective website producers. All videos are owned by the NRL, Fox Sports and/or the Nine Network and are for the purpose of helping us explain our top 10 list and are in no way intending to breach any copyright infringements these organisations may have if any.
#nrl

[@greatest_game_of_all]

Hey guys, thanks for watching the video. We would like to point out that during our analysis of Steve Rogers, we mentioned that he played 352 first grade games. This was the amount of “first class games” he has played. He actually played 231 first grade games. We apologise for the confusion and hope you enjoyed the video ✊

[@liam6nugget]

Thank you for recognising the Brisbane comp as first grade. That alone makes you better than everyone on Channel 9

[@staus949]

That photo was from the midweek comp when a combined Brisbane team won it, apparently the last time teams swapped jerseys after the game.

[@hannahcochrane3459]

I’m an Eels fan who used to love Jarryd Hayne. But his personal life has tainted the legacy of his football career to me

[@isaiahbody9076]

Same he was the reason why I am a huge eels supporter and I idolised him growing up. He was one of the greatest fullbacks and players on the field but off it he went downhill and couldn't stay out of trouble

[@petergriffiths5537]

That's why you should idolise players by their characters as human beings, and not just because of their talent. I never found Hayne likeable. Cocky prick... but there's no denying that he had the abilities to back his ego. But yeah.. I love a player whom possesses the talent but are humble natured.. JT for example.

[@mitchmccourtify]

Matt Bowen

[@trentlyyy5957]

💯

[@anthonyfebbo96]

josh Morris favourite player of all time seeing him on the list almost makes me cry

[@Jonno_B251]

How jarrod Croker doesn’t make this list is beyond me - 270 games, almost 2,100 points and 130 tries

[@adamwebb831]

He's never played origin. He's a good player but not in as good as these players

[@tomfogarty7668]

He so underrated

[@maugs6300]

He's dog shit. he's prettty good at those forward passes though

[@nrlhighlights642]

Maugan Cohen why u Mad bro just sad he’s better than ure favourite player

[@ItsNotAidynFPM]

What do you mean you idiot, Croker isn't even in the top 10 players at his club

[@stelpanagakos2520]

Should do a top 10 list of best players in the nrl era from each club.

[@bencarey8988]

Great video mate

[@justsomebloke460]

Hey mate, ya reckon you could do a 10 best try saving tackles video? Love the channel, keep up the good content 🤘

[@nickatanige4179]

Great content mate you are solid gold keep up your good work

[@andrewdavidson6495]

yeah i think he is mostly a modern day fan. Although since the game turned professional skills have gone up massively and players in past don't look so great.

[@RugbyLeagueHistory]

No Frank Burge?, Keith Holman?, Keith Barnes?, Tommy Raudonikis?, what about all the North Sydney players like Florimo, Moore, Larson etc?.

[@niueantank]

Thanks for the video. I remember reading a very old copy of the footy magazine "BIG LEAGUE" as an Young boy (30 old years ago) which was published in the early 80's. I saw Andrew Ettingshausen's name on the line up for the Newtown Jets. Just seeing if you might find some information on that. His named appeared in few issues I read as a youngster in the Jets line up. I'm a BALMAIN TIGERS fan, and watched both the finals you mentioned. Roach, Ellis and Pearce missed out by a whisker in the Raiders final. 👍

[@stevenwebb3634]

For Andrew Ettingshausen to have played for Newtown he would have been about 13 years old as Newtown left the Premier in 1983 and ET made his debut for Cronulla in 1987 as a 17 year old.

[@niueantank]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I agree. Went away and did some research. I called a friend who is a die hard Jets supporter, and he says there is no record of him playing there. Maybe I read wrong so many years ago, or I'm having a senior moment. Lol 😜. Thanks for all the videos.

[@daleviker5884]

@@niueantank Mate I was around watching the footy back then and ET never played for Newtown. You must have misread it. Cheers.

[@niueantank]

@@daleviker5884 yep. Someone corrected three years ago.

[@caesumcrimson6381]

I think it's been mentioned before but you should do a 'top 10 players who never played origin.' Video (not including international players)

[@xxants2286xx]

Daym trying to get a GF ring playing for Tigers or Cronulla is a tough ask.

[@abyssalgodsword]

IImagine tryna get it playing for the Woerriors

[@Pvt_Patero]

Stacey Jones isn't one of the best kiwis ever, he is THE best ever

[@baileygilbert4766]

Ahh I think you wrong, Because the best NZL player is Benjamin Marshall & Benji is better then Jones.

[@tanginicholls207]

@@baileygilbert4766 Read the title... Benji has won a ring.

[@bencarey8988]

ET would have been my number 1

[@thomasmallard9837]

ever heard of the only person too play 300 games for the warriors simon mannering

[@alexmurray4105]

Poor Hindy

[@Popstopopt]

What’s the music in the backround

[@SweetChilliPhil92]

Josh Morris actually shocked me!!! Forgot that he didn’t play in the Dragons GF

[@darylkanofski9327]

Yes I forgot about him

[@gabriellemcdonell1772]

Jarrod Croker Nathan Blacklock Brian To'o

[@thatboy6532]

Croker is close, in my opinion. They will be genuine threats next season.

[@Aquilz]

@@thatboy6532 lolololol

[@godemperorofmankind3.091]

his career's not quite over yet but I think Ben Hunt will soon count. he's excelled at representative level, but i seriously doubt the Dragons will come anywhere near the trophy

[@stewartdavies929]

Ever heard of Tom Raudonikis?

[@jamesappleyard4529]

Stewart Davies he hasn’t heard of Neil Pringle or Greg Pierce or Pearce not sure of the correct spelling. Can anyone tell me if Dally Messanger won a grandfinal

[@RugbyLeagueHistory]

James Appleyard He won three premierships with Easts.

[@greygrey4505]

Hayne would top your Top NRL Criminals list too lmao

[@Aquilz]

This aged incredible

[@mrrl9189]

Not only should Matty Bowen be on the list. He should be THE FIRST ONE

[@samoankid2077]

Would be cool to see you do the greatest Pacific islander nrl player.. or greatest Samoan Player..

[@matthewconnolly9508]

Olsen! 😆

[@samoankid2077]

@@matthewconnolly9508 huh ? 🤷‍♂️

[@matthewconnolly9508]

@@samoankid2077 Olsen filipaina

[@CrackDCat]

Swap Hayne and Stacy Jones and that's pretty much be my list lol

[@williamalu8703]

Men cool

[@shenaerowlands1993]

personally I believe that Jarrod Crocker should be there as he is the 3rd highest point scorer of all time and has only been in the 2019 grand final in which he and the raiders lost

[@mtate02]

Where's Isaac Luke?

[@darcyandrivbrotha5104]

Just Saying are Josh Morris did actually in the 2018 grand final in 2019 grand final thank you mate

[@isaiahbody9076]

Josh Morris was with the Bulldogs in 2018 it was actually Brett Morris who won a grand final with the Roosters in 2019

[@stupendous1068]

No Greg Florimo, Geoff Gerard, Simon Mannering, or Paul Sironen?

[@sd097]

The storm grubs robbed Hindmarsh and hayne

[@stevechamberlain5583]

What about jammer?

[@tomfogarty7668]

That will probably change this year

[@tomfogarty7668]

For Morris

[@darylkanofski9327]

What about Mario Fenech, Phil Blake, Tom Raudonikis, Matt Bowen and Nathan Blacklock

[@Jester.D.Joker5612]

Didn't Matty Bowen win with Thurston @ the Cowboys?

[@johnnysmith486]

This video was ok but rugby league history's video was better as they consider players from all eras of the game.

[@havensouljah]

Simon Mannering not making this list is a travesty..

[@Rfrrthgnn]

What about Simon manarig

[@theadventuresofthejohnnos1517]

What about Matty Bowen?

[@jacobboaden2213]

ET deserved so much better. over 300 games for mediocrity.

[@OutlawLoveSong]

How is Matt Sing not on this list?

[@Endeavour02]

Lots of one club players on the list.

[@mike04574]

et shoud be higher

[@mtbmarlinz278]

He won two grand final

[@andymehrts6071]

Don't get me wrong, Hayne is a great player. But I hate that try against the Tigers. It was an average kick and he just got super lucky with the bounce. If it was anyone else no one would care. He's scored dozens of better tries than that one.

[@MANIK1NZ]

Simon Mannering

[@stevenmusial8994]

Chris Lawrence.

[@PK-bh2sr]

Matty Bowen

[@OhGaaamon]

add roger tuivasa sheck after this season

[@maoribrotha53]

If you forget about the 2013 grand final then absolutely.

[@tyranmoses5521]

matty Bowen and Brad Finch didn't make the. And By the i thought Josh Moris won the grand final win Dragons in 2010

[@markmckernan4971]

tyran moses Do you mean Brett Finch? He was part of the Melbourne scratched team, Jmoz wasn’t at St George in 2010.

[@OutlawLoveSong]

Josh Morris was told to look elsewhere by Bennett because he didn't think he was a regular first grader. A lot of my Dragons supporting family and friends still refuse to forgive him for that.

[@davidtaliai996]

Benny elias is the best player on that list followed by rogers.

[@jacksonloram7887]

If that list was for the biggest grubs, then yes he would be the best.

[@garybaltiejus7248]

Poor old Hindy

[@joshuav.santos5220]

Yeah No.1 has to be Jarryd Hayne. He has won 2 Dally M Medals you know. Prime Jarryd Hayne was good to watch but he played for a mediocre team like Parramatta. Keep in mind that he has only played finals football 3 times in his 10 years with the team. ('06,'07&'09)

[@joshuav.santos5220]

I'm talking about for the Parramatta Eels, not Gold Coast Titans.

[@Mikequalitycontrol]

Vatuvei

[@jamesgarvan5804]

How is Nathan merit not here he is south Sydney top try scorer

[@stewartdavies929]

Lmao

[@andrewdavidson6495]

yes thanks to other players he scored plenty of tries.

[@hunterking3484]

It's train

[@callumpower7386]

Where’s Marty Bowen

[@joeyfrangieh2447]

jarryd hayne???

[@bolivianbillionaire1349]

junior pearce without even watching....

[@Davo25]

Unlucky or overrated? Yes, Hindmarsh ...

[@zaizaiandsonnynixon200]

Where is Rojer the doger

[@markmckernan4971]

Sludge didn’t play 352 games

[@Endeavour02]

Hayne had won himself and big ass ring in jail

[@eggfacetheegg3227]

Josh Morris won in 2010

[@godemperorofmankind3.091]

he didnt play

[@adamwebb831]

So Jarryd Hayne is better than Steve Rogers now?

[@adamwebb831]

@truth seeker If Hayne was so good, Why did he have to play for Fiji in the World Cup? Obviously a natural talent but to say he's better than Rogers is crazy

[@adamwebb831]

@truth seeker it's not like saying Billy Slater is not a legend. Hayne couldn't even make the team on the wing.

[@adamwebb831]

@truth seeker Rogers was a far better defender than Hayne. He was known as the Prince of Centres remember

[@stxrmie8977]

I’m a storm supporter he’s way better than Steve Rogers wtf ridiculous question

[@adamwebb831]

@@stxrmie8977 stick to AFL champ

[@airplane3359]

How is Scott Fulton not on this list. Or anyone who played for the bears

[@nikintranpi555]

notice majority of them are blues lol

[@MrPaulviles]

I thought it was the best players.......why was Jarrod Hayne on the list?

[@pantherz9103]

Only played a handful of finals games in over a decade. Won 2 wooden spoons as well.

[@aiddogg3]

Morris cannot be considered for this list as he is still playing and still can win a grand final, so then his name in this list becomes nul en void etc etc

[@BUDU69]

I’d put Matty Bowen over Hayne any day 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@manasavuibaubatiwale3593]

Why is it that most of these blokes played for NSW????? 😣

[@ronaldball9389]

Manasa Vuibau Batiwale All great Queensland players won plenty? Pretty much they all played for bronco’s.

[@jettm23]

Nathan Hindmarsh lmao 😂

[@lbm3233]

Hayne won a stay in prison

[@nlr7373]

Hopefully Josh Morris will help take the Roosters to a third win

[@user-kd8pj7mu9n]

Shaun Johnson

[@steepeyfishy1294]

I was going to say what about brett kenny but then realised he won 86 grand final

[@pantherz9103]

And 81, 82, 83

[@steepeyfishy1294]

@@pantherz9103 oh yeah, forgot abt them

[@nigelmeta4551]

All nsw players🤣

[@OutlawLoveSong]

Hindmarsh had plenty of chances to win one as you point out. In 1998 to 2000 the Eels made the preliminary. In 2001 they made the GF and got bested by an Andrew Johns Master class. In 2005 they made the preliminary and got shut out by the Cowboys. He was in a team that was capable of challenging for the title for his entire career. But of course everyone talks about being 2009. To say nothing of the fact that the Eels cheated the cap in the same manner that Melbourne did shortly afterwards and all they could muster in his final season was a wooden spoon so what does that tell you?

[@alzissa8271]

eels were still robbed nonetheless

[@jarius2917]

Wally Lewis?

[@Jwoodzy]

Simon Mannering

[@stewartdavies929]

Lol

[@Jwoodzy]

Stewart Davies what?