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There are too few immortals

Roar Guru
29th December, 2015
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Andrew Johns produced memorable moments in the Newcastle Knights' best matches. (AAP Image/Action Photographics/Grant Trouville)
Roar Guru
29th December, 2015
59
1924 Reads

The immortal concept in rugby league was introduced in 1981. As of now there are eight immortals.

These former players are Clive Churchill, Bob Fulton, Reg Gasnier, John Raper, Graeme Langlands, Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson and Andrew Johns.

Many have argued that the fact the group is so exclusive, makes the immortal concept so special.

However the reality is in rugby league there too few immortals.

The fact Ken Irvine is not an immortal borders on disgraceful. Despite playing in a struggling North Sydney side for most of his career he still managed 171 tries in 176 matches. He scored a total of 212 tries in first grade – 32 ahead of second best Steve Menzies.

Irvine scored at better than a try a match for NSW (30 tries in 24 matches) and Australia (33 tries in 31 matches).

What more does he have to do?

Mal Meninga went on four Kangaroo tours, two as captain. He won three premierships at the Raiders and appeared 32 times for Queensland. His winning try in the second Test of the 1990 Kangaroo tour will be replayed for many years to come. He won 90 per cent of Origin series as coach of Queensland and has just been named as Australian coach.

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Norm Provan and Peter Sterling should already be immortals. There is no reason to keep them waiting. They will one day be named. Let them enjoy it while they are alive.

There doesn’t need to be a huge intake. But the four previously mentioned should have been included by now.

There should be 12 immortals with immediate effect.

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