Cameron Smith among 42 inducted into rugby league’s first Hall of Legends
Ali Brigginshaw and Darren Lockyer also feature, while Tonga co-captain Jason Taumalolo is the only inductee still playing.
International Rugby League has named 42 players in its inaugural Hall of Legends, with former Australian captains Cameron Smith and Darren Lockyer among those recognised.
The selections span three groups: 10 men from before 1954, another 26 from the period since, and six women. Recently retired Jillaroos player Ali Brigginshaw was selected alongside fellow Australians Tahnee Norris and Karyn Murphy.
Tonga co-captain Jason Taumalolo is the sole inductee whose playing career is continuing. His move from New Zealand to Tonga before the 2017 World Cup has been cited by Pacific players as an influence on their own representative choices.
Other Australian inductees include Wally Lewis, Clive Churchill and Mal Meninga. England and Great Britain player Ellery Hanley is among nine Lions representatives honoured.
Stacey Jones, now New Zealand’s coach, was recognised after playing 46 Tests. Petero Civoniceva is Fiji’s only representative in the group, having played six Tests for Fiji and 45 for Australia.
France’s Puig Aubert, who captained his country to an away series victory over Australia in 1951, was also selected. The inductees will receive further recognition at Suncorp Stadium when the IRL Golden Boot is announced.
