NRL reveals 10 shortlisted Immortal candidates

Published by
Ben Cotton

Rugby league is set to to name its ninth Immortal in August, and the NRL compiled a list of the 10 candidates in line to receive the honour.

The player named to the will join an illustrious group featuring Reg Gasnier, Clive Churchill, John Raper, Bob Fulton, Graeme Langlands, Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson and Andrew Johns.

In no order, here is the NRL's shortlist of the legends who are in line to become the ninth Immortal, courtesy of nrl.com.

Dally Messenger

Dally Messenger could attack like no other and was a masterful goalkicker in the early 1900s. Messenger was so highly coveted that he played for Australia, New Zealand, Queensland and NSW, while the game's most prestige domestic awards are named after him.

Frank Burge

Renowned for his fitness, Frank Burge was one of the game's best tryscoring forwards between 1911 and 1927. He also holds the record for the most tries in a premiership game - eight for Glebe v University in 1920.

Dave Brown

In 1935, a 22-year old Dave Brown was named Australia's youngest Test captain. A dominant pointscorer, Brown won two premierships with Easts.

Brian Bevan

Brian Bevan played most of his football in England and was renowned for his impressive tank in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. He scored an impressive 796 tries in 688 games for English clubs.

Duncan Hall

Duncan Hall was a star front-rower who made two appearances for the Kangaroos, and helped the Aussies end a 30-year Ashes losing streak in 1950. The 'man of the match' honour in the Intrust Super Cup is named after the legend.

Norm Provan

The 194cm Norm Provan won 11 consecutive premierships win St George from 1956-66, and captained/coached the last five.

Ken Irvine

Ken Irvine was an elite tryscorer and won back-to-back premierships with Manly in 1972 and 1973. Holds the record for the most ever tries with 212.

Ron Coote

Ron Coote won an impressive six premierships between 1964 and 1978, including four with South Sydney and two with the Easts. He is also a two-time Harry Sunderland Medal winner.

Mal Meninga

The big and powerful Mal Meninga muscled his way through defensive lines with ease in the 1980s and early 90s, and was the only player to be part of four Kangaroos Tours, and captained the last two.

Darren Lockyer

Darren Lockyer won Golden Boots in two positions and played a record 59 Tests for Australia. He also won four premierships with the Broncos, before hanging up the boots in 2011.

 

Published by
Ben Cotton