Canberra Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart has been chosen to join the NRL Hall of Fame, after being voted in from the 25 nominations earlier this season.
Stuart played in three premierships as a player in 1989, 1990 and 1994 and represented NSW and Australia in his illustrious playing career with the Green Machine.
Six of Rugby League's finest players have been chosen to join the NRL Hall of Fame.
They are:
Petero Civoniceva
Mark Graham
Cliff Lyons
Steve Menzies
Ricky Stuart
Gorden Tallis
A voting college of 25 judges representing a cross-section of the game selected their top five players to be included in the exclusive Hall of Fame club.
They will formally join the Hall of Fame in a ceremony in Sydney on August 1.
NRL Chief Executive, Todd Greenberg said the six inductees deserved the honour after inspiring and exciting Rugby League fans for many years.
"I don't think anyone would doubt that these six players deserve to be ranked among the very best," Mr Greenberg said.
"Whether it was their speed, skill, stamina, toughness or passion, they each displayed the characteristics required to retain a special place in the history of our game.
"They will become the first inductees into the NRL Hall of Fame since the game's Centenary in 2008."
Senior Manager of NRL Awards, Frank Puletua said the induction ceremony would be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground and broadcast live on Fox League.
"This is the first time in a long time we are recognising those past players who have had a profound impact on our great game," Mr Puletua said.
"It is going to be a special evening to share with all fans of rugby league as we also await to see who will join the game's greatest ever by being crowned an Immortal."
Ricky Stuart
Born: January 7, 1967, Queanbeyan, NSW
Junior Football: St Edmunds College RU/Queanbeyan Whites RU
Clubs: Canberra, Canterbury
Position: Halfback
Premiership Career 1988-2000: Played 243 (240+3). Tries 41, Goals 7, Field Goals 27, Points 205
Canberra 1988-98: Played 203 (200+3). Tries 39, Goals 7, Field Goals 25, Points 195
Canterbury 1999-2000: Played 40 (40+0). Tries 2, Field Goals 2, Points 10
First Grade Debut: Canberra v Brisbane at Lang Park, 22/5/1988 (Rd 11)
Grand Finals: 4 – Canberra 1989 (W), 1990 (W), 1991 (L), 1994 (W)
Australia: Tests 9 (1990-94); Kangaroo tours 1990, 1994; World Cup 1992
New South Wales: State of Origins 14 (1990-94)
For more information on the NRL Hall of Fame and Immortals, please visit nrl.com/hall-of-fame/
