Top 10 State of Origin Players Named by Matty Johns and Cooper Cronk with a Surprise Inclusion

NRL greats Matthew Johns and Cooper Cronk have compiled their top 10 State of Origin players of all time. Johns made a surprising omission of Maroons legend Darren Lockyer.

Lockyer, a former Queensland captain, has the third most Origin caps with 36 and was named at fullback in Queensland’s Team of the Century. He played a crucial role in Queensland's dominance from 2006 to 2013, winning eight straight series.

Johns explained that he excluded Lockyer due to his partial involvement in Queensland's dominant era, unlike players like Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston who were present throughout. Other legends left out include Greg Inglis, Brett Kenny, Gene Miles, Glenn Lazarus, and Steve Mortimer.

Johns surprised many by including Cameron Munster in his top 10, highlighting Munster's impact despite debuting in 2017, the final year of Queensland's dominant run. Cooper Cronk disagreed with this inclusion.

Bradley Clyde, known for revolutionizing the role of lock forwards, was also recognized by Johns for his game-changing influence. Despite not making the top 10, Arthur Beetson and Steve Mortimer were praised for their pioneering roles in Origin.

Top 10 Origin Players of All-Time (in no particular order): Matty Johns, Andrew Johns, Laurie Daley, Bradley Clyde, Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, Mal Meninga, Allan Langer, Cameron Munster, Wally Lewis.

Cooper Cronk's list included Wally Lewis, Allan Langer, Mal Meninga, Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Brad Fittler, Danny Buderus, Laurie Daley, and Andrew Johns.

According to the source: Fox Sports.