The NRL will hold a special ceremony on Wednesday, August 21 to induct all members into the NRL Hall of Fame. The NRL can confirm esteemed radio and television broadcaster David Morrow will be inducted into the 2024 Hall of Fame as a Contributor.

It was agreed by the panel that the Hall of Fame would be selected under the following cycle:

It was also agreed at the Hall of Fame Committee meeting that the 2024 Hall of Fame induction would include representatives from the most recent cycle based on the years since 2019 which featured no formal Hall of Fame recognition. The group also agreed that players must have been retired for at least three (3) years prior to being considered for the Hall of Fame.

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said the esteemed group had ensured the legacy of the Hall of Fame would be acknowledged appropriately. "Those being acknowledged are legends of the game and their achievements through the course of the game’s history will now be honoured in the Hall of Fame forever," Mr V’landys said.

Latrell Mitchell was already on the sideline after suffering injury in the Round 19 clash and walking around in a moon boot.

2024 Contributer & Coaches Hall of Fame Inductees (Rabbitohs - Bennett & Gibson)

6th August 2024

The National Rugby League (NRL) today announced that Wayne Bennett and Jack Gibson would be the first ever Coaches to be inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame. The NRL has also announced that legendary administrators Ken Arthurson and John Quayle would be inducted into the Hall of Fame as Contributors, alongside broadcast icons Frank Hyde and David Morrow.

Bennett is the longest serving coach in the game’s history, having coached 933 games through a career with Canberra (1987), Brisbane (1988-2008 and 2015-18), St George Illawarra (2009-11), Newcastle (2012-14), South Sydney (2019-21) and the Dolphins (2023-24). He has coached for 37 seasons at premiership level, winning seven premiership titles; six with Brisbane Broncos (1992-93, 1997-98, 2000 and 2006) and one with St George Illawarra (2010). Bennett coached Queensland to seven State of Origin series wins from 25 games (1986-88, 1998, 2001, 2003 and 2020), while also coaching Australia (1998 and 2004-05), England (2016-18) and Great Britain (2019). He was also coaching advisor with New Zealand when the Kiwis won the World Cup in 2008.

Gibson won five premiership titles as a Coach with Eastern Suburbs (1974-75) and Parramatta (1981-83). He won 245 of 394 games as first grade coach for a winning percentage of 62.2. He also coached New South Wales in 1989-90, claiming a series victory in 1990. Gibson’s career at Premiership level spanned 20 years; he coached Eastern Suburbs (1967-68 and 1974-76), St George (1970-71), Newtown (1973), South Sydney (1978-79), Parramatta (1981-83) and Cronulla (1985-87). “It is an historic moment for the game to recognise for the first time the extraordinary contribution of two legendary coaches, Jack Gibson and Wayne Bennett,” ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said. “Wayne is the ultimate people manager. He has the rare ability to get the best of a player, no matter their background. Players who come from hard times or players who have everything, Wayne takes them to another level. He can make every player the most important in the team. He has a rare presence that gains the attention of all demographics. “Jack was just the first super coach. He took calculated risks that always seemed to pay off. Jack was innovative and futuristic and was ahead of his time. His one liners were legendary.”

Hyde turned to refereeing after retirement before forging a legendary career as a broadcaster. Hyde called 31 consecutive grand finals on Sydney radio station 2SM (1953-83), appeared regularly as a panellist on Ron Casey’s 'World of Sport' program on Channel Nine, made countless overseas tours following Kangaroo teams, calling games and hosting supporters tours, and was ultimately awarded an MBE and inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. He is joined in the Hall of Fame by Morrow, an iconic broadcaster and one of the most respected voices in the game through his time with ABC and 2GB. "Frank Hyde was a pioneer in Rugby League broadcasting. His unique description of players kicking for goal - “it’s long enough, it’s high enough, it’s straight between the posts” is recalled with esteem to this day," Mr V’landys said. "We will now have two giants of broadcasting as part of the 2024 NRL Hall of Fame inductees. David Morrow has been one of the great voices of the game – recognised around the country for his wit, his insight and his knowledge. I had the pleasure of knowing David throughout my career in sport and he was a champion in every sense of the word."

Arthurson was a legendary administrator who was ARL chairman from 1983 to 1997 and NSWRL chairman from 1987-97. A former Manly Warringah Sea Eagles player, coach and administrator, he was honoured in 1988 as a member of the Order of Australia in recognition of service to rugby league. A former Australian representative player (two Tests in 1975), Quayle was appointed general manager of the NSWRL in 1983 and served as the game’s leading CEO until 1997. He oversaw sweeping changes in the 1980s including the expansion of the competition from 13 to 16 teams in 1988 with the admission of the Brisbane Broncos, Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Giants and then the introduction of a salary cap in 1990. "It is fitting that John Quayle and Ken Arthurson are recognised together," Mr V’landys said. "They were a great team and navigated the game through an important time in the game’s history. John Quayle was progressive as an administrator, strong of mind and character, and served the game as a leader for many years. Rugby League was lucky to have his leadership in challenging times for the game. Who could ever forget the iconic Tina Turner marketing campaign, which to this day is remembered as one of Australia’s best ever promotions. Ken is one of the game’s most famed administrators, who led the game through periods of challenge but also incredible prosperity and popularity. Ken’s experience in all facets of the game, having been player and club administrator brought wisdom and knowledge to take the game forward. On behalf of the Australian Rugby League Commission and the Hall of Fame Committee, I congratulate all of the inductees and their families on this special honour.”

2024 Referee Hall of Fame Inductees

8th August 2024

The National Rugby League (NRL) has confirmed the first ever Referees in the NRL Hall of Fame – Bill Harrigan and Col Pearce.

Pearce refereed 340 first grade games between 1947 and 67, including Grand Finals in 1955, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968. He officiated in nine Tests (1960-67), three World Cup games (1968) and nine interstate games (1959-68). The Col Pearce Medal has been awarded annually to the NRL Referee of the Year since 2004.

Harrigan refereed 393 first grade games between 1986 and 2003, including 10 grand finals between 1989 and 2003. He officiated 24 Test and World Cup matches (1990-2003) and 21 State of Origin games (1991-2003).

"When people think of the great referees in this game, it’s Col Pearce and Bill Harrigan," ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said. "Referees have one of the most difficult jobs in the game, but it’s also one of the most important. Col was respected by the players and renowned as someone who officiated with the right level of command. Bill was one of a kind. He refereed with a confidence which allowed him to have authority over a game. He always had the courage to make the tough call and back his ability. This is due recognition of the contributions of Col and Bill, their long and successful service to the game as well as the importance of referees."

2024 Referee Hall of Fame Inductees - Men (Rabbitohs - Burgess, Inglis & Marshall)

14th August 2024

The National Rugby League (NRL) today announced an extraordinary Class of inductees into the NRL Hall of Fame, featuring pioneers, record-breakers and game-changers.

Mr V’landys said the group were tasked with selecting a large group based on the last induction into the playing Hall of Fame being in 2019. The inductions were confirmed following a meeting of the Hall of Fame Committee in July. The 2024 Class will feature some of the most iconic players across multiple eras; Lionel Morgan was the first Indigenous Australian to represent Australia in any major code, Cameron Smith holds the record for most NRL matches by an individual (430), Sam Burgess becomes the first England representative to be inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame.

The following players have been confirmed as featuring in the Hall of Fame in the 2024 Class includes:

"What an amazing group of players," ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said. "All different, all deserving in their own right. This list of players includes some of the toughest, the most talented, the greatest players of their generations. I’m in awe of this group of players and what they have each done in the game and for the game, This is the best of the best across several phenomenal eras. The group is full of Premiership winners, Dally M Medal winners, Clive Churchill Medal winners, Australia, New Zealand and England representatives. There are brilliant halves, powerful and durable forwards and gifted outside backs. All of these players are exceptional."

2024 Referee Hall of Fame Inductees - Women (Rabbitohs - Gale & White)

15th August 2024

The National Rugby League (NRL) will formally induct the first ever female players into the NRL Hall of Fame.

The following players have confirmed in the Hall of Fame in the 2024 class includes:

"This is an historic moment for the game – our first ever female players inducted into rugby league’s highest honour: the Hall of Fame," ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said. This class includes some of the great trailblazers of women’s Rugby League. They all significantly helped to put women’s Rugby League is in the strong position it is today. It’s a privilege to see the game take this step and recognise female players in the National Rugby League Hall of Fame. Each of the inductees has played a significant role in the growth of the women’s game, and the game itself. They are extraordinary individuals who worked extremely hard to put women’s Rugby League on the map. Women’s Rugby League is as popular as it is now because of the efforts of the inductees. Each of them has also continued to play a significant role in the game after retirement. With the NRLW and women’s game flying, it is critical as a game that we pay tribute to those who have dug the well. These players will be forever known as being part of the first group of female players to join the NRL Hall of Fame."

2024 NRL Hall of Fame 14th Immortal Inductee - Ron Coote

21st August 2024

The National Rugby League (NRL) tonight announced Ron Coote as the 14th Immortal. On a historic night at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the former South Sydney and Eastern Suburbs legend was presented with his Immortals jacket by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese MP, in front of fellow Immortals Mal Meninga, Andrew Johns and Wally Lewis and members of the Hall of Fame.

"As a Hall of Famer and multiple premiership winner, Ron Coote was already an icon and a legend. Tonight, in becoming an Immortal, he has joined the most elite club in Australian sport," Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys AM said. "Ron was talented, tough and stood tall against the peerless players of his era – fellow Immortals like Johnny Raper and Graeme Langlands. Tall and rangy, Ron was a threat on both sides of the ball. A superb cover defender capable of saving tries, he was also naturally gifted with the ball and a constant threat to opponents when he had it in his hands. He played nine Grand Finals in the space of 11 years, such was the enormous impact he had on the teams he represented. As a true Rugby League gentleman on and off the field, Ron now holds his rightful place amongst the game’s greatest players."

Coote played 148 Premiership games for South Sydney between 1964 to 1971, and 109 Premiership matches for Eastern Suburbs between 1972 and 1978. He won four Grand Finals with South Sydney and two with Eastern Suburbs. Coote also played 15 matches for New South Wales, as well as 42 games for Australia, including 23 Test matches. In 1970, he captained Australia to World Cup triumph in England.

On an historic night for the game, 11 male players (Lionel Morgan, Les Boyd, Ben Elias, Steve Renouf, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Benji Marshall, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess), six female players (Natalie Dwyer, Katrina Fanning, Tarsha Gale, Veronica White, Karyn Murphy and Tahnee Norris), two referees (Col Pearce and Bill Harrigan), two coaches (Jack Gibson and Wayne Bennett), and four contributors (Frank Hyde, Ken Arthurson, John Quayle and David Morrow) were inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame.

"Congratulations to all of our inductees and their families for doing something truly unique and special," Mr V’landys said. "Tonight, was one of the most important nights in the game’s history, when we were given the honour of recognising the game’s greatest ever contributors – including the first ever female inductees, the first coaches and referees, not to mention the incredible acknowledgement of the game’s 14th Immortal. “25 inspirational, influential, incredible individuals. Male Players. Female Players. Administrators. Broadcast Media. Referees. Coaches. Pioneers and legends. The game of Rugby League thanks and salutes you for your contribution."

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