We're not queer: Arthur Summons pokes fun at iconic Gladiators image during Dally Ms

FORGET the players and WAGs, legend Arthur Summons, 77, brought the Dally M house down by dropping a "queer" joke.

James Packer and NRL CEO Dave Smith at the Dally M Awards. Picture: Gregg Porteous

THERE was an Oscar-winner, an Aria-recipient and more models than a Milan catwalk, but 77-year-old rugby league veteran Arthur Summons stole the show at last night's Dally Ms.

Summons had the crowd at Star City roaring with laughter when asked about the iconic Gladiators image, in which he features arm-in-arm with legendary St George forward Norm Provan.

Dally M and Fox Sports host Tony Squires quipped that Summons and Provan had "spent a lot of your lives basically hugging".

Norm Provan (L) and Arthur Summons (R) present the Provan-Summons Award to Greg Inglis at the 2013 Dally M Awards. Picture: Richard Dobson

"We’re not queer," joked Summons. "I really don’t like him.

"We’re forced together because we tripped in the mud, had a photo taken and we’re here."

Norm Provan (C) and Arthur Summons (R) reenact their famous Gladiators photo. Picture: Sam Mooy

DALLY M TEAM OF THE YEAR

DALLY Ms BRING OUT NRL HOTTEST

James Packer and NRL CEO Dave Smith at the Dally M Awards. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Rabbitohs fullback Greg Inglis last night won the Provan-Summons medal, which is awarded each season to the player voted by the fans as the best in the NRL.

"It feels good to be loved," Inglis said.

The image of Summons and Provan covered in mud after the 1963 grand final between Western Suburbs and St George is the most iconic in rugby league and the centrepiece of the current NRL premiers' trophy.

Provan said that while the modern game had room for improvement, he remained fiercely passionate about rugby league.

"It is a wonderful game to have played and a wonderful game to have supported," Provan said.