INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE have committed to establishing a ‘Hall of Legends’, with the first members to be inducted during this year’s World Cup.
The move aims to recognise the heritage of the international game specifically, IRL chair Troy Grant has explained.
“A lot of our member countries do well in honouring legends of the game, with Immortals, Hall of Fame and other formats across the nations,” said Grant.
“IRL are the owners of the international game, and it has been a gap in our history that we don’t have an established International Rugby League Hall of Legends.
“People love the heritage of international rugby league, the old Kangaroo tours and iconic moments in international rugby league history.
“With the growth of the game now it is our chance to finally acknowledge the legends who helped ensure international rugby league is the pinnacle of our game.
“We will be inducting members to the Hall of Legends at each World Cup, and the inductees will be chosen from players in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair games who have made an impact on international rugby league.”
A panel will be established to finalise criteria for induction and then consider nominations.
But IRL have said: “An inductee must be recognised by their peers as a legend who has made a significant contribution to international rugby league and who excelled in the playing of the game while representing their nation.”
This year’s World Cup will be hosted by Australia in October and November, with some men’s and women’s games also taking place in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.