Queensland legends Gorden Tallis and Petero Civoniceva inducted into NRL Hall of Fame
IT was one of the rare moments that Gorden Tallis was lost for words. The “Raging Bull” has joined Petero Civoniceva among rugby league’s icons in the NRL’s hall of fame.
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FOR one of the rare times in his life Gorden Tallis was lost for words.
Two of Queensland’s greatest ever forwards will be officially etched into rugby league history with Tallis and Petero Civoniceva to be inducted into the NRL’s hall of fame.
On Tuesday evening, Tallis and Civoniceva were announced as two of the six new players to join the illustrious list of 100 inaugural members.
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The former Maroons and Kangaroos duo were chosen from a shortlist of 25 and named as new inductees alongside Ricky Stuart, Cliff Lyons, Steve Menzies and Mark Graham.
“The Raging Bull” Tallis was reared in Townsville before embarking on a 214-game career at St George and Brisbane which saw him play 13 Tests and 17 Origins.
Tallis, 44, was one of the game’s most feared forwards with his punishing defence and destructive ball-running.
He was responsible for one of Origin’s most memorable moments, dragging helpless NSW fullback Brett Hodgson by his jersey and over the sideline during the 2002 series.
Now a fearless media commentator, a humbled Tallis struggled to explain what the induction meant to him.
“I was honoured to be nominated,” Tallis said.
“You don’t need to be noticed and you don’t play for individual honours or recognition. I played because I loved playing with my mates.
“I don’t know what to say. I haven’t even told my kids.
“Some great players get left out like Kevvie Walters, Danny Buderus and Paul Harragon and you feel for them.”
The Fiji-born Civoniceva played 309 games for Brisbane and Penrith, racking up 45 Tests for Australia and 33 Origins, the most games by a Queensland forward.
Now 42, Civoniceva is still heavily involved in the game’s development and international football with Fiji.
Tallis and Civoniceva will be officially inducted at the Hall of Fame ceremony at the SCG on August 1 where two new Immortals will be announced.
Queensland legends Mal Meninga and Darren Lockyer are on the Immortals shortlist along with Dally Messenger, Frank Burge, Dave Brown, Brian Bevan, Duncan Hall, Norm Provan, Ken Irvine and Ron Coote.
THE 2018 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
PETERO CIVONICEVA: 309 NRL games (235 Brisbane, 74 Penrith), 25 tries, two premierships, 45 Tests for Australia, 33 games for Queensland.
MARK GRAHAM: 146 NRL games with North Sydney, 28 tries, 29 Tests for New Zealand.
CLIFF LYONS: 332 NRL games (23 North Sydney, 309 Manly), 87 tries, nine goals, seven field goals, two premierships, six Tests for Australia, six games for NSW.
STEVE MENZIES: 349 NRL games (280 Manly, 69 Northern Eagles), 180 tries, one goal, two premierships, 15 Tests for Australia, 20 games for NSW.
RICKY STUART: 243 NRL games (203 Canberra, 40 Canterbury), 41 tries, seven goals, 27 field goals, three premierships, nine Tests for Australia, 14 games for NSW.
G ORDEN TALLIS: 214 NRL games (54 St George, 160 Brisbane), 66 tries, one goal, three premierships, 13 Tests for Australia, 17 games for Queensland.
Originally published as Queensland legends Gorden Tallis and Petero Civoniceva inducted into NRL Hall of Fame
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