Setting the Standard: The Top Contenders for NRL Immortal Status

With the NRL looking poised to potentially add an Immortal or two, six players emerge as standout candidates for rugby league’s highest honor. Dozens of players could be considered for Immortal status, and whenever the debate arises, numerous players are suggested. The NRL established the Hall of Fame five years ago, adding six members to the already existing 100 players from the sport’s first century in Australia. The induction process led to five players – Norm Provan, Mal Meninga, Dave Brown, Frank Burge, and Dally Messenger – being named Immortals. The chances of a player from before Provan’s era becoming an Immortal are now minimal. From the pre-expansion era in the 1970s, Ron Coote is a strong candidate for Immortal status. The 1980s saw Parramatta win four titles in six years with Peter Sterling as a key player. In the 1990s, Ricky Stuart and Allan Langer, and Glenn Lazarus played prominent roles. In this century, Darren Lockyer, Billy Slater, and Johnathan Thurston are potential Immortal inductees. The Hall of Fame also needs recognition, as it is not an afterthought to the Immortals race. Past greats from previous eras and more recently retired players are potential contenders for Immortal status. The debates and awards of the Immortals will continue to live on.