Rugby legend Martin Offiah names his three greatest teammates with a surprise Wigan star joining Jonathan Davies and Ellery Hanley on the list.
Rugby league icon Martin Offiah has never been short of memorable moments, but his latest revelation might just surprise even the most devoted fans. Reflecting on a glittering career filled with tries, trophies, and unforgettable partnerships, the legendary winger has revealed the three greatest teammates he ever shared the field with and one unexpected Wigan Warriors star has earned a place alongside two of the sport’s biggest names.
Jonathan Davies: The Superstar Who Redefined the Game
Speaking on the Stick to Rugby podcast ahead of this year’s Ashes series between England and Australia, Offiah was asked to name the most remarkable players he lined up alongside. Unsurprisingly, the first name to roll off his tongue was that of Jonathan “Jiffy” Davies, the Welsh phenomenon whose switch from rugby union to league caused a stir.
“It’s tough, but obviously I want to say Jiffy he’s one of them,” Offiah recalled. “I didn’t even know what paparazzi was until he signed for Widnes. I scored five tries that day, he touched the ball twice, and he still got all the headlines!”
Davies brought a level of celebrity and skill that few could match. Offiah vividly remembered watching him dominate as a British Lion in the Five Nations and still being awestruck when he joined Widnes Vikings. “I couldn’t believe Widnes had signed him,” he said. “The try he scored against Scotland stays with me. And once he adapted to rugby league, what he achieved was absolutely phenomenal.”
Ellery Hanley: The Benchmark of Greatness
The second name on Offiah’s list was no shock to anyone who followed his career: Ellery Hanley, a towering figure in rugby league history. Known for his relentless power, unmatched versatility, and leadership that lifted entire teams, Hanley’s presence on the field was nothing short of transformative.
“It’s no surprise Ellery is on my list,” Offiah admitted. “Playing alongside someone of his caliber was an experience that elevated everyone around him.”
Hanley’s influence stretched far beyond individual brilliance he was a player who shaped games, inspired teammates, and set a standard that few have reached since.
Henry Paul: The Underrated Wigan Star Who Made the Cut
If Davies and Hanley were predictable picks, the final name Offiah mentioned turned heads: Henry Paul, the talented playmaker who shone for both Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls. While Paul’s name might not surface in most debates about rugby league’s all-time greats, Offiah believes his impact was profound and deserving of recognition.
“Henry Paul was one of the greatest, too,” he said simply, highlighting Paul’s vision, creativity, and consistency during their time together. Paul’s inclusion reveals Offiah’s appreciation for players whose contributions may have been less celebrated but were no less vital to their teams’ success.
A Legacy Built on Greatness
Together, Offiah’s three picks, Davies, Hanley, and Paul, reflect a spectrum of qualities that defined rugby league’s golden era. Davies brought cross-code star power and unmatched flair. Hanley embodied power, leadership, and dominance. Paul added skill and subtlety, proving that greatness isn’t always about headlines but about influence and consistency.
As excitement builds for the Ashes series, Offiah’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the players who shaped the sport and the teammates who helped him carve out one of rugby league’s most celebrated careers.
Conclusion
Martin Offiah’s choices offer a rare glimpse into the minds of legends. While Jonathan Davies and Ellery Hanley were expected inclusions, the selection of Henry Paul underlines the importance of underrated stars who leave an enduring mark on the game. Together, they represent the essence of rugby league talent, teamwork, and timeless impact.
Rugby league icon Martin Offiah has never been short of memorable moments, but his latest revelation might just surprise even the most devoted fans. Reflecting on a glittering career filled with tries, trophies, and unforgettable partnerships, the legendary winger has revealed the three greatest teammates he ever shared the field with and one unexpected Wigan Warriors star has earned a place alongside two of the sport’s biggest names.
Jonathan Davies: The Superstar Who Redefined the Game
Speaking on the Stick to Rugby podcast ahead of this year’s Ashes series between England and Australia, Offiah was asked to name the most remarkable players he lined up alongside. Unsurprisingly, the first name to roll off his tongue was that of Jonathan “Jiffy” Davies, the Welsh phenomenon whose switch from rugby union to league caused a stir.
“It’s tough, but obviously I want to say Jiffy he’s one of them,” Offiah recalled. “I didn’t even know what paparazzi was until he signed for Widnes. I scored five tries that day, he touched the ball twice, and he still got all the headlines!”
Davies brought a level of celebrity and skill that few could match. Offiah vividly remembered watching him dominate as a British Lion in the Five Nations and still being awestruck when he joined Widnes Vikings. “I couldn’t believe Widnes had signed him,” he said. “The try he scored against Scotland stays with me. And once he adapted to rugby league, what he achieved was absolutely phenomenal.”
Ellery Hanley: The Benchmark of Greatness
The second name on Offiah’s list was no shock to anyone who followed his career: Ellery Hanley, a towering figure in rugby league history. Known for his relentless power, unmatched versatility, and leadership that lifted entire teams, Hanley’s presence on the field was nothing short of transformative.
“It’s no surprise Ellery is on my list,” Offiah admitted. “Playing alongside someone of his caliber was an experience that elevated everyone around him.”
Hanley’s influence stretched far beyond individual brilliance he was a player who shaped games, inspired teammates, and set a standard that few have reached since.
Henry Paul: The Underrated Wigan Star Who Made the Cut
If Davies and Hanley were predictable picks, the final name Offiah mentioned turned heads: Henry Paul, the talented playmaker who shone for both Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls. While Paul’s name might not surface in most debates about rugby league’s all-time greats, Offiah believes his impact was profound and deserving of recognition.
“Henry Paul was one of the greatest, too,” he said simply, highlighting Paul’s vision, creativity, and consistency during their time together. Paul’s inclusion reveals Offiah’s appreciation for players whose contributions may have been less celebrated but were no less vital to their teams’ success.
A Legacy Built on Greatness
Together, Offiah’s three picks, Davies, Hanley, and Paul, reflect a spectrum of qualities that defined rugby league’s golden era. Davies brought cross-code star power and unmatched flair. Hanley embodied power, leadership, and dominance. Paul added skill and subtlety, proving that greatness isn’t always about headlines but about influence and consistency.
As excitement builds for the Ashes series, Offiah’s reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the players who shaped the sport and the teammates who helped him carve out one of rugby league’s most celebrated careers.
Conclusion
Martin Offiah’s choices offer a rare glimpse into the minds of legends. While Jonathan Davies and Ellery Hanley were expected inclusions, the selection of Henry Paul underlines the importance of underrated stars who leave an enduring mark on the game. Together, they represent the essence of rugby league talent, teamwork, and timeless impact.
