NRL forms subcommittee to discuss next Immortals, Hall of Fame inductees | Bulldog’s Bite

Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater are finally eligible to join the NRL’s most elite club, but they may have to wait a while longer. DEAN RITCHIE reveals his choices for the next two Immortals.

Queensland great Johnathan Thurston has now waited the mandatory five years since retirement to become eligible for Immortal status – but it’s time for Brett Kenny and Ron Coote.

The NRL has started preliminary talks about possible new inductees for the famous Immortals concept and accompanying Hall of Fame.

No time frame has been set for discussions but this masthead understands an NRL subcommittee has been formed to kickstart the process.

Thurston, who retired after 2018, would appear an Immortal certainty – given he won a record four Dally M Medals – but not right now. He should have to wait.

Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater are finally eligible to become Immortals, but they may have to wait a while longer, writes Dean Ritchie. Picture: AAP

Having also retired after 2018, Storm champion Billy Slater becomes eligible to be named an Immortal.

And then there will be debate over superstars including Darren Lockyer, Peter Sterling, Duncan Thompson, Arthur ‘Pony’ Halloway, Bradley Clyde, Laurie Daley, Glenn Lazarus, Ricky Stuart, Allan Langer, Brad Fittler, Greg Inglis, Mick Cronin, Steve Rogers and Ray Price.

But I would select Coote and Kenny.

Kenny is the most naturally gifted player I have seen. A player who remarkably scored two tries in three successive grand finals and, despite what they claim in Queensland, matched if not bettered Wally Lewis at State of Origin level.

His speed, anticipation and body swerve made him truly elite. The giant shadow cast by Lewis during the same era possibly, and unfairly, diluted Kenny’s career.

Coote has previously been overlooked but why should that detract from what he achieved? He played in nine grand finals over 11 seasons, winning six, while also captaining Australia at the 1970 World Cup.

Brett Kenny was the most naturally gifted player Dean Ritchie has ever seen. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Aside from his rugby league heroics, Coote’s decision to help set up Men of League – now Family of League – has only enhanced his legacy.

“It’s extraordinary that Ronnie hasn’t already been made an Immortal and surely this time he will be elevated to the status he truly deserves,” said Souths CEO, Blake Solly.

Kenny and Coote would stand alongside any Immortal.

Lockyer is an obvious candidate while Sterling’s sublime record will ensure he enters the debate.

Thompson played back in the 1920s and was a member of North Sydney’s two premiership-winning sides. He was a tactical halfback who had the main grandstand at North Sydney Oval named after him.

Ron Coote has been overlooked in the past, but he deserves a place in rugby leagues most exclusive club for his incredible achievements on and off the field, writes Dean Ritchie. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Halloway established a phenomenal record as player and coached back in rugby league foundation era.

Clyde, Daley, Lazarus and Stuart were dominant in Canberra’s golden era while Langer was a Broncos genius. Lazarus won grand finals at three different clubs.

Cronin and Price were the backbone of Parramatta’s success in the early 1980s while Fittler was a player of rare power and ability. Inglis, who retired after 2019, was a brute.

Cam Smith is another future Immortal having retired in 2021.

The NRL will look at adding players to their Hall of Fame, which currently has 110 inductees. A player must be in the Hall of Fame before being considered for Immortal status.

There are 13 Immortals – Clive Churchill, Reg Gasnier, John Raper, Graeme Langlands, Bob Fulton, Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson, Andrew Johns, Dally Messenger, Dave Brown, Frank Burge, Norm Provan and Mal Meninga, who was the most recent inductee in 2018.