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Every NRL premiership player of this century: Giants and journeymen in list from 2000 to now

Greats, journeymen and cult heroes feature on the honour roll of NRL premiership players from 2000 to now. Here is the name of every grand final winner.

Tim ElbraTim Elbra
Bulldogs captain Steve Price with Johnathan Thurston, his injury replacement, after the 2004 NRL grand final.
Bulldogs captain Steve Price with Johnathan Thurston, his injury replacement, after the 2004 NRL grand final.

Winning an NRL premiership is the crowning achievement of a rugby league career, for greats of the game and journeymen alike.

The honour roll of premiership players in this century features a fascinating mix of both.

Here is every player.

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Wendell Sailor, Harvey Howard and captain Kevin Walters celebrate winning the 2000 decider. Picture: David Kapernick
Wendell Sailor, Harvey Howard and captain Kevin Walters celebrate winning the 2000 decider. Picture: David Kapernick

2000: Brisbane Broncos

1. Darren Lockyer

2. Lote Tuqiri

3. Tonie Carroll

4. Michael De Vere

5. Wendell Sailor

6. Ben Ikin

7. Kevin Walters (c)

8. Shane Webcke

9. Luke Priddis

10. Dane Carlaw

11. Gorden Tallis

12. Brad Thorn

13. Kevin Campion

14. Harvey Howard

18. Ashley Harrison

16. Michael Hancock

17. Shaun Berrigan

Coach: Wayne Bennett

Beat Sydney Roosters 14-6

Clive Churchill Medal: Darren Lockyer

Darren Lockyer was the 2001 grand final man of the match at fullback before becoming a champion five-eighth. Picture: David Kapernick
Darren Lockyer was the 2001 grand final man of the match at fullback before becoming a champion five-eighth. Picture: David Kapernick

2001: Newcastle Knights

1. Robbie O’Davis

2. Timana Tahu

3. Matthew Gidley

4. Mark Hughes

5. Adam MacDougall

6. Sean Rudder

7. Andrew Johns (c)

8. Josh Perry

9. Danny Buderus

10. Matt Parsons

11. Steve Simpson

12. Ben Kennedy

13. Bill Peden

14. Paul Marquet

15. Clinton O’Brien

16. Glenn Grief

17. Daniel Abraham

Coach: Michael Hagan

Beat Parramatta Eels 30-24

Clive Churchill Medal: Andrew Johns

Andrew Johns masterminded an upset of the Eels after Ben Kennedy ran riot early in the 2001 decider. Picture: David Kapernick
Andrew Johns masterminded an upset of the Eels after Ben Kennedy ran riot early in the 2001 decider. Picture: David Kapernick

2002: Sydney Roosters

1. Luke Phillips

2. Brett Mullins

3. Shannon Hegarty

4. Justin Hodges

5. Anthony Minichiello

6. Brad Fittler (c)

7. Craig Wing

8. Jason Cayless

9. Simon Bonetti

10. Peter Cusack

14. Adrian Morley

12. Craig Fitzgibbon

13. Luke Ricketson

11. Brian Fletcher

15. Andrew Lomu

16. Chris Flannery

17. Michael Crocker

Coach: Ricky Stuart

Beat New Zealand Warriors 30-8

Clive Churchill Medal: Craig Fitzgibbon

Brett Mullins won his second premiership in 2002, having also prevailed as Canberra’s fullback in 1994. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins
Brett Mullins won his second premiership in 2002, having also prevailed as Canberra’s fullback in 1994. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

2003: Penrith Panthers

1. Rhys Wesser

2. Luke Lewis

3. Ryan Girdler

4. Paul Whatuira

5. Luke Rooney

6. Preston Campbell

7. Craig Gower (c)

8. Joel Clinton

9. Luke Priddis

10. Martin Lang

11. Joe Galuvao

12. Tony Puletua

13. Scott Sattler

14. Ben Ross

15. Trent Waterhouse

16. Shane Rodney

17. Luke Swain

Coach: John Lang

Beat Sydney Roosters 18-6

Clive Churchill Medal: Luke Priddis

Already a 2000 champion with Brisbane, Luke Priddis was man of the match in 2003 for his second grand final win. Picture: Gregg Porteous
Already a 2000 champion with Brisbane, Luke Priddis was man of the match in 2003 for his second grand final win. Picture: Gregg Porteous

2004: Canterbury Bulldogs

1. Luke Patten

2. Hazem El Masri

3. Ben Harris

4. Willie Tonga

5. Matt Utai

6. Braith Anasta

7. Brent Sherwin

8. Mark O’Meley

9. Adam Perry

11. Willie Mason

12. Andrew Ryan (c)

14. Reni Maitua

13. Tony Grimaldi

15. Corey Hughes

16. Roy Asotasi

17. Sonny Bill Williams

18. Johnathan Thurston

Coach: Steve Folkes

Beat Sydney Roosters 16-13

Clive Churchill Medal: Willie Mason

Willie Mason towers over Craig Wing en route to the 2004 Clive Churchill Medal. Picture: Craig Wilson
Willie Mason towers over Craig Wing en route to the 2004 Clive Churchill Medal. Picture: Craig Wilson

2005: Wests Tigers

1. Brett Hodgson

2. Daniel Fitzhenry

3. Shane Elford

4. Paul Whatuira

5. Pat Richards

6. Benji Marshall

7. Scott Prince (c)

8. Anthony Laffranchi

9. Robbie Farah

10. John Skandalis

11. Ben Galea

12. Mark O’Neill

13. Dene Halatau

14. Liam Fulton

15. Chris Heighington

16. Bryce Gibbs

17. Todd Payten

Coach: Tim Sheens

Beat North Queensland Cowboys 30-16

Clive Churchill Medal: Scott Prince

Benji Marshall’s 2005 grand final flick pass will feature on highlight reels for as long as rugby league is played.
Benji Marshall’s 2005 grand final flick pass will feature on highlight reels for as long as rugby league is played.

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2006: Brisbane Broncos

1. Justin Hodges

2. Darius Boyd

3. Brent Tate

4. David Stagg

5. Karmichael Hunt

6. Darren Lockyer (c)

7. Shane Perry

8. Shane Webcke

9. Shaun Berrigan

10. Petero Civoniceva

11. Sam Thaiday

12. Brad Thorn

13. Tonie Carroll

14. Corey Parker

15. Dane Carlaw

16. Ben Hannant

17. Casey McGuire

Coach: Wayne Bennett

Beat Melbourne Storm 15-8

Clive Churchill Medal: Shaun Berrigan

In a megastar 2006 Broncos team, halfback Shane Perry (R) became one of the NRL’s most unlikely champions. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins
In a megastar 2006 Broncos team, halfback Shane Perry (R) became one of the NRL’s most unlikely champions. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

2007: Melbourne Storm**

1. Billy Slater

2. Steve Turner

3. Matt King

4. Israel Folau

5. Anthony Quinn

6. Greg Inglis

7. Cooper Cronk

8. Ben Cross

9. Cameron Smith (c)

10. Brett White

11. Clint Newton

12. Ryan Hoffmann

13. Dallas Johnson

14. Jeremy Smith

15. Matt Geyer

16. Michael Crocker

17. Jeff Lima

Coach: Craig Bellamy

Beat Manly Sea Eagles 34-8

**(title stripped due to salary cap breaches)

Clive Churchill Medal: Greg Inglis

Greg Inglis was man of the match in a Melbourne grand final win scrubbed from the record books. Picture: Gregg Porteous
Greg Inglis was man of the match in a Melbourne grand final win scrubbed from the record books. Picture: Gregg Porteous

2008: Manly Sea Eagles

1. Brett Stewart

2. Michael Robertson

3. Steven Bell

4. Steve Matai

5. David Williams

6. Jamie Lyon

7. Matt Orford (c)

8. Bret Kite

9. Matt Ballin

10. Josh Perry

11. Anthony Watmough

12. Glenn Hall

13. Glenn Stewart

14. Heath L’Estrange

15. Mark Bryant

16. Jason King

17. Steve Menzies

Coach: Des Hasler

Beat Melbourne Storm 40-0

Clive Churchill Medal: Brent Kite

Steve Menzies’s 2008 grand final try was a fairytale ending to a wonderful NRL career. Picture: Gregg Porteous
Steve Menzies’s 2008 grand final try was a fairytale ending to a wonderful NRL career. Picture: Gregg Porteous

2009: Melbourne Storm**

1. Billy Slater

2. Steve Turner

3. Will Chambers

4. Greg Inglis

5. Dane Nielsen

6. Brett Finch

7. Cooper Cronk

8. Aiden Tolman

9. Cameron Smith (c)

10. Brett White

11. Adam Blair

12. Ryan Hoffman

13. Dallas Johnson

14. Ryan Hinchcliffe

15. Jeff Lima

16. Ryan Tandy

17. Scott Anderson

Coach: Craig Bellamy

Beat Parramatta Eels 23-16

**(title stripped due to salary cap breaches)

Clive Churchill Medal: Billy Slater

Billy Slater owned the ill-fated 2009 decider after opposing fullback Jarryd Hayne romped to the Dally M Medal. Picture Colleen Petch
Billy Slater owned the ill-fated 2009 decider after opposing fullback Jarryd Hayne romped to the Dally M Medal. Picture Colleen Petch

2010: St George Illawarra Dragons

1. Darius Boyd

2. Brett Morris

3. Mark Gasnier

4. Matt Cooper

5. Jason Nightingale

6. Jamie Soward

7. Ben Hornby (c)

8. Neville Costigan

9. Dean Young

10. Michael Weyman

11. Beau Scott

12. Ben Creagh

13. Jeremy Smith

14. Nathan Fien

15. Trent Merrin

16. Matt Prior

17. Jarrod Saffy

Coach: Wayne Bennett

Beat Sydney Roosters 32-8

Clive Churchill Medal: Darius Boyd

Darius Boyd was unstoppable in Wayne Bennett’s ruthlessly efficient 2010 Dragons backline. Picture: Gregg Porteous
Darius Boyd was unstoppable in Wayne Bennett’s ruthlessly efficient 2010 Dragons backline. Picture: Gregg Porteous

2011: Manly Sea Eagles

1. Brett Stewart

2. Michael Robertson

3. Jamie Lyon (c)

4. Steve Matai

5. Will Hopoate

6. Kieran Foran

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

8. Joe Galuvao

9. Matt Ballin

10. Brent Kite

11. Anthony Watmough

12. Tony Williams

13. Glenn Stewart

14. Shane Rodney

15. Jamie Buhrer

16. Vic Mauro

17. George Rose

Coach: Des Hasler

Beat New Zealand Warriors 24-10

Clive Churchill Medal: Glenn Stewart

Jamie Lyon suffered 2001 heartbreak with the Eels and walked away from the NRL before becoming a Manly premiership captain. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Jamie Lyon suffered 2001 heartbreak with the Eels and walked away from the NRL before becoming a Manly premiership captain. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

2012: Melbourne Storm

1. Billy Slater

2. Sisa Waqa

3. Dane Nielsen

4. Will Chambers

5. Justin O’Neill

6. Gareth Widdop

7. Cooper Cronk

8. Jesse Bromwich

9. Cameron Smith (c)

10. Bryan Norrie

11. Kevin Proctor

12. Ryan Hoffman

13. Todd Lowrie

14. Sika Manu

15. Ryan Hinchcliffe

16. Jaiman Lowe

17. Richie Fa’aoso

Coach: Craig Bellamy

Beat Canterbury Bulldogs 14-4

Clive Churchill Medal: Cooper Cronk

Even by Craig Bellamy’s standards, prop Jaiman Lowe was an incredibly unlikely NRL champion in 2012. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Even by Craig Bellamy’s standards, prop Jaiman Lowe was an incredibly unlikely NRL champion in 2012. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

2013: Sydney Roosters

1. Anthony Minichiello (c)

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Michael Jennings

4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall

5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

6. James Maloney

7. Mitchell Pearce

8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

9. Jake Friend

10. Sam Moa

11. Aidan Guerra

12. Sonny Bill Williams

18. Boyd Cordner

13. Frank-Paul Nuuausala

14. Daniel Mortimer

15. Mitchell Aubusson

23. Luke O’Donnell

Coach: Trent Robinson

Beat Manly Sea Eagles 26-18

Clive Churchill Medal: Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly)

Daniel Mortimer rode the 2009 rollercoaster with Parramatta, then became a premiership player with Anthony Minichiello’s 2013 Roosters. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Daniel Mortimer rode the 2009 rollercoaster with Parramatta, then became a premiership player with Anthony Minichiello’s 2013 Roosters. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

2014: South Sydney Rabbitohs

1. Greg Inglis

2. Alex Johnston

3. Dylan Walker

4. Kirisome Auva’a

5. Lote Tuqiri

6. Luke Keary

7. Adam Reynolds

8. George Burgess

21. Apisai Koroisau

10. Dave Tyrrell

11. Ben Te’o

12. John Sutton (c)

13. Sam Burgess

14. Jason Clark

15. Kyle Turner

16. Chris McQueen

17. Thomas Burgess

Coach: Michael Maguire

Beat Canterbury Bulldogs 30-6

Clive Churchill Medal: Sam Burgess

Sam Burgess wrote his name into folklore in 2014, while Lote Tuqiri won a second premiership 14 years after his first. Picture: Renee McKay/Getty Images
Sam Burgess wrote his name into folklore in 2014, while Lote Tuqiri won a second premiership 14 years after his first. Picture: Renee McKay/Getty Images

2015: North Queensland Cowboys

1. Lachlan Coote

2. Kyle Feldt

3. Justin O’Neill

4. Kane Linnett

5. Antonio Winterstein

6. Michael Morgan

7. Johnathan Thurston (c)

8. Matt Scott (c)

9. Jake Granville

10. James Tamou

11. Gavin Cooper

12. Ethan Lowe

13. Jason Taumalolo

14. Rory Kostjasyn

15. John Asiata

16. Scott Bolton

17. Ben Hannant

Coach: Paul Green

Beat Brisbane Broncos 17-16 (golden point)

Clive Churchill Medal: Johnathan Thurston

Johnathan Thurston watched his iconic golden point field goal sail through the posts in the 2015 decider. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Johnathan Thurston watched his iconic golden point field goal sail through the posts in the 2015 decider. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

2016: Cronulla Sharks

1. Ben Barba

2. Sosaia Feki

3. Jack Bird

4. Ricky Leutele

5. Valentine Holmes

6. James Maloney

7. Chad Townsend

8. Andrew Fifita

9. Michael Ennis

10. Matt Prior

11. Luke Lewis

12. Wade Graham

13. Paul Gallen (c)

14. Gerard Beale

15. Chris Heighington

16. Sam Tagataese

17. Jayson Bukuya

Coach: Shane Flanagan

Beat Melbourne Storm 14-12

Clive Churchill Medal: Luke Lewis

Paul Gallen became Cronulla’s first premiership captain in the 2016 decider. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Paul Gallen became Cronulla’s first premiership captain in the 2016 decider. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

2017: Melbourne Storm

1. Billy Slater

2. Suliasi Vunivalu

3. Will Chambers

4. Curtis Scott

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Cameron Munster

7. Cooper Cronk

8. Jesse Bromwich

9. Cameron Smith (c)

10. Jordan McLean

11. Felise Kaufusi

12. Tohu Harris

13. Dale Finucane

14. Kenny Bromwich

15. Tim Glasby

16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

17. Slade Griffin

Coach: Craig Bellamy

Beat North Queensland Cowboys 34-6

Clive Churchill Medal: Billy Slater

Josh Addo-Carr went from mecurial talent to Storm premiership winner in 2017, scoring twice in the decider. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Josh Addo-Carr went from mecurial talent to Storm premiership winner in 2017, scoring twice in the decider. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

2018: Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Latrell Mitchell

4. Joseph Manu

5. Blake Ferguson

6. Luke Keary

23. Cooper Cronk

8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

9. Jake Friend (c)

10. Siosiua Taukeiaho

11. Boyd Cordner (c)

7. Mitchell Aubusson

13. Victor Radley

12. Isaac Liu

14. Dylan Napa

15. Zane Tetevano

17. Ryan Matterson

Coach: Trent Robinson

Beat Melbourne Storm 21-6

Clive Churchill Medal: Luke Keary

Luke Keary took charge from an injured Cooper Cronk and played the game of his life in the 2018 decider. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images
Luke Keary took charge from an injured Cooper Cronk and played the game of his life in the 2018 decider. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

2019: Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Latrell Mitchell

4. Joseph Manu

5. Brett Morris

6. Luke Keary

7. Cooper Cronk

8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

9. Sam Verrills

10. Isaac Liu

11. Boyd Cordner (c)

12. Mitchell Aubusson

13. Victor Radley

14. Angus Crichton

16. Nat Butcher

17. Siosiua Taukeiaho

20. Jake Friend (c)

Coach: Trent Robinson

Beat Canberra Raiders 14-8

Clive Churchill Medal: Jack Wighton (Canberra)

Boyd Cordner in 2018-19 captained the first back-to-back premierships (unified competition) in 26 years. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images
Boyd Cordner in 2018-19 captained the first back-to-back premierships (unified competition) in 26 years. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

2020: Melbourne Storm

1. Ryan Papenhuyzen

2. Suliasi Vunivalu

3. Brenko Lee

4. Justin Olam

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Cameron Munter

7. Jahrome Hughes

8. Jesse Bromwich

9. Cameron Smith (c)

10. Christian Welch

11. Felise Kaufusi

12. Kenny Bromwich

13. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

14. Brandon Smith

15. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

16. Dale Finucane

17. Nicho Hynes (did not play)

Coach: Craig Bellamy

Beat Penrith Panthers 26-20

Clive Churchill Medal: Ryan Papenhuyzen

Nicho Hynes lifts the trophy after going unused as a bench player in the 2020 decider. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Nicho Hynes lifts the trophy after going unused as a bench player in the 2020 decider. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

2021: Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Stephen Edwards

3. Paul Momirovski

4. Matt Burton

5. Brian To’o

6. Jarome Luai

7. Nathan Cleary (c)

8. Moses Leota

9. Apisai Koroisau

10. James Fisher-Harris

17. Liam Martin

12. Kurt Capewell

13. Isaah Yeo

11. Viliame Kikau

14. Tyrone May

15. Scott Sorensen

16. Spencer Leniu

Coach: Ivan Cleary

Beat South Sydney Rabbitohs 14-12

Clive Churchill Medal: Nathan Cleary

Jarome Luai and Matt Burton celebrate a try in the 2021 decider, with the latter departing for Canterbury after the game. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Jarome Luai and Matt Burton celebrate a try in the 2021 decider, with the latter departing for Canterbury after the game. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

2022: Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Charlie Staines

3. Izack Tago

4. Stephen Crichton

5. Brian To’o

6. Jarome Luai

7. Nathan Cleary (c)

8. Moses Leota

14. Mitch Kenny

10. James Fisher-Harris

11. Viliame Kikau

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo (c)

9. Apisai Koroisau

15. Scott Sorensen

16. Spencer Leniu

17. Jaeman Salmon

Coach: Ivan Cleary

Beat Parramatta Eels 28-12

Clive Churchill Medal: Dylan Edwards

Dylan Edwards completed his rise to stardom with a stellar 2022 decider. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Dylan Edwards completed his rise to stardom with a stellar 2022 decider. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

2023: Penrith Panthers

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Sunia Turuva

3. Izack Tago

4. Stephen Crichton

5. Brian To’o

6. Jarome Luai

7. Nathan Cleary (c)

8. Moses Leota

9. Mitch Kenny

10. James Fisher-Harris

11. Scott Sorensen

12. Liam Martin

13. Isaah Yeo (c)

14. Jack Cogger

15. Lindsay Smith

16. Spencer Leniu

17. Luke Garner

Coach: Ivan Cleary

Beat Brisbane Broncos 26-24

Clive Churchill Medal: Nathan Cleary

Nathan Cleary won his second Clive Churchill Medal with an astonishing 2023 GF performance. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images
Nathan Cleary won his second Clive Churchill Medal with an astonishing 2023 GF performance. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

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