As much as I hate to say it as a Widnes and Wigan star- Offiah was an incredible player and the most dangerous runner I’ve ever seen (been watching since the late 80s). Robinson was terrific but Offiah’s sheer pace made him virtually untouchable. Des Drummond was also terrific for us and Leigh around the same time and earlier.

essie was quick broke 100m record on BBc superstars. Offiah made him look like Paul Wellens.

I don't think Usain Bolt would have made Dessie look like Paul Wellens; Dessie was seriously fast.

come on Dwain Chambers had a fair but of pace

Offiah for me for his pure speed, I’ve seen both of them train when I use to do my track sessions and stamina work.
Everything Offiah did was 20, 50, 100 metre pyramid sessions, Robinson use to do a lot of gut wrenching hill sessions and speed footwork.
Offiah could do 100 metres and not lose any velocity, Robinson would slow down after 50 metres but his acceleration from a standing start was top drawer.

Not just Wakey fans. There used to be a bloke who stood near me who, whenever Big Les crashed over yet again, used to moan that Barrie McDermott could've scored just as many if he'd hidden out on the wing.

Back on topic, has to be Offiah. When I saw him run in ten - in one game - against us I was convinced I'd not see Leeds outdo Wigan in my lifetime. If ever there was a truly crushing defeat, that was it.

Offiah best classic winger I've ever seen. Robinson a totally different type of player.

Not really comparable but offiah for me.

That was clearly Brian Bevan.

INOUTOffiah by a huge, huge margin over Robinson. A way better winger. To me Robinson could have made a great halfback.

Offiah, more consistent over a longer period at the highest level. Robinson had a good few years, but there's no way he'd be a winger if he came through now.

Stop you right there as your twisting things in a big way as usual.

By the time Offiah finally met Drummond the latter was well past his best. Still s cracking player but much slower than in his prime.

Personally I rate Offiah as better but in his prime Drummond would have kept up with him in every way.

<REMOVED - No need, argue your point without getting personal.>

Des Drummond is the best winger I have ever seen.

Slightly off topic but relating to very fast wingers takes me back to 1953 and the great excitement around the first game that MacDonald Bailey played for Leigh. MacD B. was a UK Olympic bronze medalist sprinter and the fastest man in the UK for many years prior to seeking a career in rugby league.

Played under floodlights at Leigh, around 25,000 turned up to see him score a try in a win against Wigan. Match highlights were shown nationally on Pathe News.

Muscle tears occurring in the match led to his immediate retirement.

Offiah for me, his scoring rate was phenomenal and he was a threat anywhere on the pitch. There was more to him than just speed, he had that ability to read the game and get himself in the right place in the first instance. Robinson certainly had the more rounded game and could do less glamorous work better but considering he was in a dominant team his try scoring isn't exceptional.

You don't get out much do you?

Before my time, but it's often said in Wigan that, although brilliant attacking talent, Offiah couldn't tackle. Is it true?

Was often said throughout his career but greatly exaggerated IMO. When he first came to Widnes from RU he was (very) suspect defensively and he never really got over that reputation for the rest of his career, despite working hard to improve that aspect of his game over the years. During his peak years he may not have been a great defensive winger but he was by no means shocking either. Plain fact is a lot of fans resented him for his success and celebrations and they wanted a stick to beat him with whenever he tore their team a new one. Also, he knew his own ability, which people always hate and then tend to say is arrogance.

Defence wasn't his strong point but as John Monie said if you beat him once you'd probably have to do it again as he'd catch you from behind. He got criticism because like everything in RL someone has to find a negative and blow it out of proportion. I don't recall his defence ever costing a game.

He wasn't in the side for his defence. It's like criticising a Ferrari because it's no good off road.

Ryan Hall

Quote ="robinrovers10"Martin Offiah is the greatest winger in the history of Rugby League. End of. It will be a very long time for someone to emerge who could even lace his boots.'" Eric Grothe Senior. https://youtu.be/AaopyFY0Sys

Quote ="robinrovers10"Martin Offiah is the greatest winger in the history of Rugby League. End of. It will be a very long time for someone to emerge who could even lace his boots.'" Eric Grothe Senior. https://youtu.be/AaopyFY0Sys

Neither Hall or Grothe have come close to matching Offiah's try scoring stats.

Pretty much true, not a great defender but as you say worked hard on it and improved. But for every try he conceeded he scored 3-4 it which is an acceptable balance sheet

Quote ="Buggo"Eric Grothe Senior. https://youtu.be/AaopyFY0Sys'" Another great but un a differnt way. Hall and grothe more similar.

Quote ="Buggo"Eric Grothe Senior. https://youtu.be/AaopyFY0Sys'" Another great but un a differnt way. Hall and grothe more similar.

He looked great in that YouTube video. Shame that injury hampered his career (according to wikipedia anyway).

Edited. This is your second warning for resorting to personal abuse.
Durham Giant