Two of the most famous rugby league products from the Queensland border community of St George – Dale Shearer and Ashley Taylor – are set to miss selection for the town's Team of the Century.
The St George Saints Team of the Century will be announced on Saturday at roughly 5pm, following the club's last home game of the year in the Roma and District Rugby League.
Former Queensland Rugby League board member and life member John Barrett, who has lived in the town since 1967, was entrusted as sole selector of the team.
And while he is keeping the final team a tightly-guarded secret, he dropped a bombshell by revealing neither former Queensland Maroon Shearer nor current Gold Coast Titans half Taylor would be named.
"Both Dale and Ash played junior football here in St George, but we have set some ground rules that means they cannot make the Team of the Century side," said Barrett.
"To qualify people must have played A Grade in St George for 12 months.
"Player-coaches who were paid to come into the town are also not eligible as players, however they may be selected as coach."
Barrett's research has been exhaustive and he has read every single rugby league report in the local newspaper, The Balonne Beacon, stretching back to the First World War.
He has also scoured through as many magazines and match day programs as he can get his hands on, to ensure the final selection is as fair and encompassing as possible.
"I've spent most of my life working on the history of the St George club and I'm very honoured to be given this position of trust," said Barrett.
"I wouldn't say I enjoy being the only selector, but I do think I'm well-placed to make an informed decision.
"No matter who we pick, people will debate it just like State of Origin – and I guess that's half the fun."
The Saints, who have won just two matches in season 2018, face the second-placed Wallumbilla-Surat Red Bulls on Saturday.
