A panel of eight experts has compiled a list of the 25 best players in Hunter Rugby over the past 25 years, sparking debate among fans. The selection process considered talent, leadership, longevity, premiership success, representative careers, and individual honours such as the Anderson Medal.
To qualify, players must have spent at least three years in the competition. The panel included representatives from current and past premier clubs, who created a shortlist before finalising the top 25.
The Hunter Rugby competition has seen dominant clubs over the years: Waratahs and Wanderers in the early to mid-2000s, Hamilton from 2008 to 2019, and Merewether and Maitland post-COVID-19. At its peak, the competition featured 12 clubs.
The list aims to honour the best talents of the century so far, though the panel acknowledges it may stir discussion about omissions or rankings.
