No, this isn't a McDonald's advertisement – this is 100 per cent the real deal. We haven't got Grimace in the front row or Hamburglar as our cheeky No.7, although we have found a spot in our squad for Ronald McDonald.
When expansion is next on the NRL agenda they should look no further than NRL.com's Mc 17; you can get your nuggets elsewhere.
There is only one qualification rule with our McTeam – your surname must start strictly with, surprise surprise, "Mc".
Mac's don't count! Our apologies go to the MacDougall family, the Apple product and Roosters young gun Nene MacDonald but your services won't be needed.
With English coach Steve McNamara set to mentor the lads, we think our team will rattle a few cages in the NRL, even with a healthy sprinkling of legends who may be a bit beyond their use-by date.
Behold the Mc 17, a team boasting eight State of Origin representatives, eight internationals and the super Mcs in the halves.
1. Wade McKinnon (Rabbitohs, Eels, Warriors, Tigers, Hull FC – 2002-2012)
While he and the referees weren't the closest of friends and the showers at Campbelltown Stadium still quiver in fear of the angry custodian, McKinnon played 153 NRL games in stints with four clubs and was rewarded with a City Origin berth in 2009. McKinnon hasn't been spotted in top grade since his 10 games for Hull FC in 2012 but we can coax him out of retirement to have a run with us.
2. James McManus (Knights – 2007-present)
The safe-as-a-house Scotsman earns a place on the wing through pure consistency. McManus, only one game short of his 150th appearance for Newcastle after a foot injury rubbed him out for the season post-Origin, will easily earn his keep on the flank considering the hoard of Mata'utias constantly threatening in the Hunter.
3. Paul McGregor (Steelers, Dragons – 1991-2001)
The current St George Illawarra coach was a formidable centre in his time, hair and all. While the majority of his time was spent at the Steelers, McGregor captained the Dragons when the joint venture launched in 1999. Mary's 158 first grade games and 14 Origins add a significant boost to the team and having run the water for the Blues in recent years should be match fit.
4. Mark McGaw (Sharks, Panthers, Rabbitohs – 1984-1995)
McGaw, or Hammer as he was later known as on the cult classic Gladiators, rounds out our centre pairing. His 193 games across three clubs as well as 13 appearances for the Blues make him a handy acquisition. So drop the power pads and pugil stick and join us 'Sparkles'.
5. Alan McIndoe (Steelers, Panthers – 1983-93)
Alongside McGregor, McIndoe was named in the Steelers 'Team of Steel' in 2006. Not too long after, he was named in Penrith's '40 Year Legends' team. We have ourselves a winner with Alan. McIndoe scored 91 tries in 163 games and played eight games for Queensland – more than enough to qualify for our team.
6. Mark McLinden (Raiders, Harlequins – 1998-2008)
The former Raiders five-eighth is a man made for this team. As one half of the famous Green Machine 'Mc Attack', McLinden and fellow McTeam teammate Andrew McFadden formed a formidable halves partnership in the late '90s and was rewarded with 165 games in the NRL and a Country jumper in 2001.
7. Andrew McFadden (Raiders, Eels, Storm – 1997-2004)
You can't have McLinden without McFadden. While we would have to coerce McFadden to stop coaching the Warriors to return to the playing field, at only 36 years of age the other half of Canberra's 'Mc Attack' surely has a few good years in him yet.
8. Josh McGuire (Broncos – 2009-present)
With McGuire coming off contract next year and plenty of other clubs throwing their hat in the ring for his signature, consider the McTeam interested in hosting McGuire for the next decade (give or take). The Samoan international has already racked up 100 NRL games and at 24 is a man of the future. He just edges out Tigers great Bruce McGuire.
9. Robbie McCormack (Knights, Mariners, Wigan – 1988-1998)
Consider this your chance at revenge, McCormack! A foundation member of the Newcastle team, the hooker left the club a year prior to their amazing grand final win in '97 to link with cross-town Super League rivals the Mariners. We're confident a grand final is in the not too distant future for the McTeam.
10. Sam McKendry (Panthers – 2008-present)
McKendry's eight Tests for the Kiwis puts him in good stead to be a leader of the pack, a responsibility yet to be handed to him at the Panthers. After 105 games it's about time he lifted, which surely comes with the extra responsibility of playing in the McTeam.
11. Bob McCarthy (Rabbitohs, Bulldogs – 1963-1977)
Despite hitting 70 this year, everyone at McHQ is confident McCarthy will upend some of the young bulls plying their trade. McCarthy will bring a winning culture to the club considering his 11 games for NSW, 15 Tests for Australia, three grand final wins and 251 games (119 tries) accumulated throughout his 14 year career.
12. Jarrod McCracken (Bulldogs, St Helens, Eels, Tigers – 1991-2000)
Medically speaking, McCracken probably won't be able to play due to a neck injury that prematurely ended his career in 2000. In an ideal world though, the 22-time Kiwi representative would be a shoo-in for this team.
13. Hugh McGahan (Roosters – 1985-1991)
Having racked up 32 games for New Zealand, the Easts legend who both coached and captained the club will look more than formidable in the No.13 jumper. The co-1987 Golden Boot winner with Peter Sterling, McGahan gets a chance here to overshadow the former Eels halfback.
Interchange
14. Casey McGuire (Eels, Broncos, Catalans – 1998-2012)
His career started and ended at Parramatta but if we have our say he'll finish off with us. The five-eighth or hooker racked up 249 games in the NRL and English Super League and with two Queensland jerseys to his name, just edges out Broncos rake Andrew McCullough for a bench spot.
15. Chris McQueen (Rabbitohs – 2009-present)
With 92 games and five Maroons jerseys racked up since his debut in 2009, McQueen comes onto the McBench to a role he was utilised in for the better half of 2014 in the Rabbitohs' charge to premiership glory.
16. Chris McKenna (Brisbane, Sheffield, London, Crushers, Cronulla, Leeds, Bradford – 1993-2007)
Now a member of the NRL judiciary panel, McKenna played his part in more than 330 top flight games of rugby league. Best known for his time with Cronulla, McKenna played eight times for Queensland and twice for Australia.
17. Shannon McPherson (Rabbitohs, Salford and Eels – 2005-present)
One of the Eels' newest recruits in the post-Hayne era, McPherson returns to the NRL with 93 games of experience with the Rabbitohs. Is it too late for him to renege on his deal and join us instead?
Head Coach: Steve McNamara (England). Sure it wasn't the Four Nations finish McNamara and his men were hoping for but we've got him edging out the late Allan McMahon, Shaun McRae and Brian McLennan to be our inaugural coach.
18th man: Ronald McDonald played one game for North Sydney in 1909. He obviously thought slaving over fries and burgers was a better lifestyle choice. From all accounts it has worked out well.
