During a 16-year first grade career that included three premierships and four Kangaroo Tours, Mal Meninga was known for being one of the toughest outside backs in the game.
But speaking on SENQ radio, the thirteenth Immortal and Perth Bears NRL coach has revealed the toughest player he ever lined up against.
“Anyone who saw me play would know I didn’t have much of a side step,” Meninga admitted, reflecting on his rampaging attacking style.
“I used to try and run straight over people.”
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“But the one guy I did try to side step was David ‘Cement’ Gillespie,” Meninga said with an audible shudder as memories of collisions past came flooding back.
“In the Canterbury days when he had those big fibre glass shoulder pads, you wanted to stay right away from those, he was a very tough man.”
Meninga then went on to discuss other qualities he associated with toughness on the field—things he’ll no doubt be looking for when the Perth Bears officially begin recruiting their inaugural NRL squad on 1 November.
“The natural thing when you talk about ‘toughness’ is being physically tough,” Meninga said.
“But I think anyone who excels in life, and particularly in sport, that requires a great degree of mental toughness—and it’s probably the more important aspect of staying at the top of your game for long periods of time.
“Durability and longevity as well, your ability to survive the game and overcome hurdles and challenges through your career.
“Certainly the mental side of things, that’s the true test—your greatest competitor is always yourself.”