Murphy was the best half-back of his era, and Johns was the best of his. It is a complete waste of time trying to compare them - the game changes continually (not always for the better) and different skills become more (or less) important. Both players contributed a great deal to the game.

I not sure Murph was exactly a man without any vices.

As rugby league fans we know only to well of the effects of depression.

they didnt have es back then.

when alex was playing the game ill bet people that smoked were considered rebels.

true but the modern day player is a much better athlete than 40 years ago

full time training.

the game is faster now.

skills like the spiral pass are now considered normal.

the skill level of RL today is light years ahead of then.

stupid comparison.

Did you ever see Murphy play? No. Right, how can YOU compare then?

But that's just the development of the sport. Murphy was only part-time professional. He also played on pitches that were total bogs at times, he played a huge amount of games a year compared to what they play now and got less protection from referees. What they did have in that era was natural ability. You can only compare players from different eras on what they achieved in their own time. Murphy tore the Aussies apart aged 18 and then went back in '62 and did it again. He is regarded as the greatest player in British RL's greatest post war era and he also lead 3 different sides to victory at Wembley. Johns is the greatest player I have ever seen but for me Murphy is the greatest player ever to have played the sport, or rugby for that matter.

i can compare them on the basis of what ive said above

the sport theyd played in 1960 was a whole lot easier than the sport they play today.

interesting reading.

id have thought ellery was the greatest player englands produced myself.

A friend of mine doesn't rate Hanley at all, personal reasons are clouding his judgement, but what he says about Hanley is true. He wasn't a particularly good passer of the ball and he wasn't a good kicker.

Still the best I've seen though.

Murphy was a genius - simply the finest half back this country has ever produced - his change of pace was incredible - as was ability to read the game.

For me Wally Lewis and Brett Kenny were both superior players to Johns.

That's a good summation for me.

There can only be one winner...

Murphy!

Johns might find himself more than halfway down the top ten list of greatest halfbacks ever.

I didn't bother with much detail earlier but Murphy's record is superb:-

1958 cutting up Australia
1960 World Cup winner
1962 cutting up Australia
1962 cutting up St George mid- 11 year straight title run
1966 refused to tour Aus/NZ when not given captaincy
1971 Leigh win CC
1974 Warrington win CC

1966 was one of the closest series ever...no Murphy was a massive loss for GB.

A stretch of high quality between 1958-1974 is a fair achievement for any player. He should have played more Tests in the end than he did.