The NRL has announced it will name rugby league’s next Immortal in a special ceremony which will also feature the induction of 25 new names into the sport’s Hall of Fame.
There are currently 13 Immortals, with Dave Brown, Frank Burge, Mal Meninga, Dally Messenger and Norm Provan the latest players to be inducted in 2018.
The ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, and will see 11 male players, six female players, two coaches, two referees and four contributors rewarded for their role in the sport with a place in the Hall of Fame.
It comes after a special Hall of Fame Committee met to agree on future process and inductees for the Hall of Fame Awards.
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The Committee included “some of the game’s most esteemed rugby league individuals”, according to the NRL, and agreed on the following:
– Two male players be inducted into the Hall of Fame per year
– One female player be inducted into the Hall of Fame per year
– Two coach inductions per four-year cycle
– Two referee inductions per four-year cycle
– Three contributor (Print Media, Broadcast Media, Administrator) inductions per four-year cycle
– One Immortal induction per four-year cycle
It was also agreed that players must have been retired for at least three years before being considered for the Hall of Fame.
“Those being acknowledged are legends of the game and their achievements through the course of the game’s history will now be honoured in the Hall of Fame forever,” ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys said.
The NRL confirmed in a statement on Thursday that esteemed radio and television broadcaster David Morrow would be one of the contributors to be given the honour.
Morrow, who has covered the game for 44 years, is currently undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with brain cancer.
“I’m so pleased that the group were unanimous around the induction of David Morrow,” V’landys said.
“David is a legendary contributor to the game over many decades and has provided colourful and insightful coverage of the game in his own unique style.
“He has a health battle on his hands and the Committee were steadfast in their view that ‘Thirsty’ should be afforded this recognition as soon as possible.”