The All-Time Greatest XIII: St George Illawarra Dragons

The St George Illawarra Dragons hold a storied place in rugby league history, being the second-most successful club in Australian rugby league with 15 premierships—a tally only surpassed by the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ 21 titles.

Formed in 1999 through a merger of the St George Dragons and the Illawarra Steelers, the club boasts a rich legacy, particularly the St George Dragons, whose roots trace back to 1921. Their historic feat of 11 consecutive premierships (1956–66) remains unmatched in rugby league history. Achieving such dominance in today’s salary-capped NRL era would be near impossible.

The Illawarra Steelers, while shorter-lived, contributed notable talents like Rod Wishart, Paul McGregor, and Trent Barrett, many of whom carried their skills into the post-merger era. However, the Dragons’ golden era dominates the club’s history, with many stars from that period forming the backbone of this greatest XIII.

The All-Time Greatest XIII

Fullback: Graeme Langlands

• 227 matches (1963–76), 86 tries, 648 goals, 4 premierships
  Langlands, a rugby league Immortal, played in the centres before transitioning to fullback. Renowned for his sidestepping and goal-kicking, he captained both the Dragons and Australia. His partnership with Billy Smith was particularly devastating for opponents.

Winger: Johnny King

• 191 matches (1960–71), 143 tries, 7 premierships
  King was a prolific try-scorer who set records in grand finals, crossing the line in every Dragons premiership win from 1960 to 1965.

Centre: Reg Gasnier

• 125 matches (1959–67), 127 tries, 6 premierships
  One of the original rugby league Immortals, Gasnier was a master of acceleration and swerving runs. Despite an early retirement at 28 due to injury, he is still hailed as rugby league’s finest centre.

Centre: Mark Gasnier

• 174 matches (2000–08, 2010–11), 92 tries, 1 premiership
  The nephew of Reg, Mark carved out his own legacy as a powerful and skillful centre, helping the Dragons end a 31-year premiership drought in 2010.

Winger: Eddie Lumsden

• 158 matches (1957–66), 136 tries, 9 premierships
  Lumsden’s strike rate and grand final performances make him one of the greatest wingers, scoring hat-tricks in multiple deciders.

Five-Eighth: Brian Clay

• 183 matches (1957–67), 33 tries, 8 premierships
  Clay was known for his toughness, often playing like a forward in attack while being a defensive stalwart. Injuries cost him two more premiership wins.

Halfback: Billy Smith

• 234 matches (1961–77), 30 tries, 4 premierships
  Smith, a brilliant tactician and kicker, transitioned from centre to halfback under Norm Provan. His skills were pivotal in extending the Dragons’ dominance.

Prop: Billy Wilson

• 171 matches (1948–62), 17 tries, 6 premierships
  Wilson was renowned for his toughness and willingness to stand up for teammates, even in the heat of grand final battles.

Hooker: Ken Kearney

• 156 matches (1952–61), 18 tries, 6 premierships
  Kearney captained the Dragons through the first six of their 11-straight titles and later became a successful captain-coach for the club and Australia.

Prop: Craig Young

• 234 matches (1977–88), 11 tries, 2 premierships
  A hard-hitting prop, Young was a leader from a young age, captaining the Dragons to their 1979 premiership and excelling in representative rugby.

Second Row: Rod Reddy

• 204 matches (1972–83), 65 tries, 2 premierships
  “Rocket” Reddy was tough yet skillful, earning a reputation as an enforcer and excelling in both club and representative rugby.

Second Row: Norm Provan

• 256 matches (1951–65), 63 tries, 10 premierships
  Provan, an Immortal, is synonymous with St George’s dominance. The iconic Gladiators trophy immortalizes his sportsmanship and leadership.

Lock: Johnny Raper

• 185 matches (1959–69), 47 tries, 8 premierships
  Another Immortal, Raper’s fitness and all-around skills set him apart. His leadership and work ethic were unparalleled, earning him recognition as the best lock forward in history.

Legacy of Excellence

The St George Dragons’ golden era is a testament to the unparalleled skill and cohesion of their players. Their success, combined with contributions from Illawarra Steelers alumni, cements the merged club’s legacy. This greatest XIII reflects a history steeped in dominance, resilience, and unforgettable moments in rugby league.