WHO says rugby league’s lost its characters?

Those with the gift of the gab in our took us from ‘losing your virginity’ to Jesus, Eddie Hayson and everything in between as the NRL served up some genuine zingers in 2016.

Funny, controversial, insightful and moving, these are the individuals that left the cliches in the cupboard and had us paying attention this year.

“It’s a bit like losing your virginity ... it wasn’t very nice but we got the job done” — Sam Thaiday after a tough Queensland Origin win.

Round 20

Sam Thaiday with the Maroons. Source: News Corp Australia

“I’ve got more speed than Oxford Street” — James Roberts when questioned about his pace.

“As long as he’s not on the mardi gras float” — Wayne Bennett in response to Roberts’ comment.

James Roberts and Wayne Bennett at Broncos training. Source: News Corp Australia

”I know I’m worth more than that” — Benji Marshall on rejecting a $300,000 contract offer from the Dragons.

“I have not just been copping it here at the Tigers but from everybody. Every time I see someone in the street now, I have never met before they always bring it up. I was out the other night and some old bloke came up to shake my hand and missed it on purpose” — Aaron Woods on his Origin celebration fail.

Aaron Woods misses the pack while trying to celebrate a NSW try. Source: News Corp Australia

“I don’t want to get into a slanging match here but it was pretty disrespectful. I think that typifies what that team is about. I think it is disrespectful to walk off while our captain speaks” — Johnathan Thurston on NSW players turning their back during Cameron Smith’s victorious Origin speech.

“You talk about disrespect, you’ve only got to look back in game two and the end of that game Johnathan Thurston looks directly at me and says, ‘F your Blues’” - Paul Gallen responds to Thurston’s claim of disrespect.

Johnathan Thurston of the Maroons celebrates victory as he yells at Paul Gallen. Source: Getty Images

“Turn your porch lights off because we are coming home with the trophy” — Paul Gallen to Cronulla fans after breaking the premiership drought.

“I think he broke his face in the first play of the game, and then he got surgery at half time and came back to finish the game and they won” — NFL star Marshawn Lynch trying to recount Sam Burgess’ 2014 grand final heroics.

Former NFL MVP Marshawn Lynch with Rabbitohs players John Sutton and Sam Burgess. Source: News Corp Australia

“His head is too big, sir … Nate Myles. It should be a penalty” — Sam Thaiday to a referee while packing a scrum.

“Inside information doesn’t really exist in rugby league. Yeah, there’s somebody in or somebody out but the referees have got too much influence on the game now.” - Controversial punter Eddie Hayson during the enthralling hour-long press conference he called to refute claims around his gambling activity.

“I wouldn’t let the boys down, no way. If my arm came off I’d still play” — Jack Bird on playing through the grand final with an arm injury.

Sharks player Jack Bird with club legend Andrew Ettingshausen. Source: News Corp Australia

“Ben has been horrible and disrespectful to our players for many years and it has continued. He speaks poorly to our players. He won’t look them in the eye” — Roosters coach Trent Robinson unloaded on referee Ben Cummins after an early-season loss.

“When you read the bible you realise everyone hated Jesus. He could have easily lost the plot and lost his shit but he kept it together” — Jarryd Hayne’s bizarre response to casual criticism of the cross-code star.

Jarryd Hayne of the Gold Coast Titans. Source: News Corp Australia

“We’ve got to the point where I believe we’re better with Robbie not in the team” - Jason Taylor explains his dumping of NSW hooker Robbie Farah to reserve grade.

“I feel I am getting treated differently to some others. I will continue being professional and try and keep my mouth shut and try not to do anything wrong because I think that is what they are trying to get me to do. But I think I am a bit smarter than that” — Robbie Farah returns serve.

Robbie Farah and coach Jason Taylor during a Wests Tigers training session. Source: News Corp Australia

“I think over the course of the three days I had less than 10 minutes sleep from Thursday to Saturday. I lost about 5-6 kilos … and a bit of my mind.” - Melbourne’s Dale Finucane lifts the lid on Craig Bellamy’s infamous boot camps for new Storm recruits.

“I’m a massive fan of Origin, so I don’t want people to think I’m not a massive fan of Origin ... it’s a great concept. But I think at some stage they’ve got to ... just to look (at it). No other elite competition would allow their players to walk away from club games to participate. There is a lot of rethinking” — Des Hasler on the impact of Origin on NRL clubs.

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