ARL Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame

The Australian Rugby League Hall Of Fame was founded in 2002. Former players are inducted into the Hall of Fame following annual selections by a voting college of Rugby League experts and historians.

ARL Chairman Mr Colin Love: "The ARL Hall of Fame is an important part of recognising the heritage of Rugby League."

"In building towards the future it is imperative that we recognise those who laid the game's foundations. The names of this group are synonymous with Rugby League."

"They were the benchmark of excellence in their respective eras. The career statistics of each are astonishing enough, but when you read the stories behind them they reveal true greatness."

Harry BATH (b.1925)
Clubs: Brisbane Sths, Balmain, Barrow, Warrington,
St George (1945-59)
NSW: 5 games (1946-47) / QLD: 1 game (1945)
Other Nationalities: 8 International matches

Harry Bath was "the best player never to represent Australia". A great ball playing forward and willing defender, he gained both Qld and NSW honours, plus internationals with 'Other Nationalities'. His skills saw his Brisbane and Sydney club sides win the premiership every season he played, as well as gaining trophies at Warrington. Bath remains the only player to top the points scoring table in the NSWRL and English competitions.

Arthur BEETSON (b.1945)
Clubs: Balmain, Easts, Parra., Redcliffe, Hull KR ('66-'81)
NSW: 18 games (1966-77) / QLD: 3 games (1980-81) Australia: 14 Tests, 14 World Cup Games, 1 International, 10 Tour Matches (1966-77)

A rare breed of player who took all the titles the game in Australia has to offer. Beetson was a great front rower who could power through a defence and off-load the ball. He destroyed the Lions in Tests, was part of the 74-75 Easts premiership team and was the Queensland inspiration that delivered to the League world the astounding success that is State of Origin.

Dave BROWN (b.1913-d.1974)
Clubs: Eastern Suburbs, Warrington (1930-41)
NSW: 21 games (1931-36)
Australia: 9 Tests, 31 Tour Matches (1933-36)

Part of the all-conquering Eastern Suburbs team of the 1930's, Brown was a points-scoring freak. Be it tries or goals, his talents were exceptional - an outstanding centre, ball player, defender and kicker. He possessed an uncanny ability to read play ahead of others. Described as "the Bradman of League" many of his records still stand today.

Frank BURGE (b.1894-d.1958)
Clubs: Glebe, St. George, Grenfell (1911-27)
NSW: 18 games (1912-26)
Australia: 13 Tests, 23 Tour Matches (1914-22)

A strong tackling and fast running lock forward, Burge was the first player to recognise and deliver the advantages to be gained from physical fitness and endurance. He scored many tries (including 8 in one game) and was a fearsome leader - his glare was often enough to inspire his team or quell the opposition.

Clive CHURCHILL (b.1927-d.1985)
Clubs: Central Newcastle, South Sydney, Brisbane Norths, Moree (1946-61)
NSW: 37 games (1948-57)
Australia: 34 Tests, 3 World Cup Games, 54 Tour Matches (1948-57)

He revolutionised fullback play from the steadfast role of his era. Small in physique, he casts a shadow over most in the game. Revered for courage, tackling skill, positional play and attacking brilliance. He was predicted for greatness - by the end of his career he had achieved even more and became known as the "Little Master".

Bob FULTON (b.1947)
Clubs: W'gong Wests, Manly, Easts, Warrington (1965-79) NSW: 16 games (1967-78)
Australia: 20 Tests, 15 World Cup Games, 2 Internationals, 22 Tour Matches (1968-78)

A teenage sensation who exceeded the expectations. A crafty and prodigously talented centre / five-eighth, the bigger the occasion the more Bob Fulton liked it. His blinding acceleration, strength and reading of the play got him through gaps that others couldn't even imagine. A fiercely determined competitor he would often resort to his own ingenuity and gamesmanship to turn a match - invariably it was successful.

Reg GASNIER (b.1939)
Clubs: St. George (1959-67)
NSW: 21 games (1959-67)
Australia: 36 Tests, 3 World Cup Games, 1 International, 38 Tour Matches (1959-67)

Gasnier gliding over the football field, with his head typically thrown back, was a sight that took the breath away of League fans at home and abroad. Part of the greatest club side ever, the St. George centre was blessed with pace, swerve and handling skills of a very rare genius. At Test level he created tries that have been labelled the best ever witnessed.

Vic HEY (b.1912-d.1995)
Clubs: Western Sub.s, Toowoomba, Leeds UK, Dewsbury UK, Hunslet UK, Parramatta (1933-49)
NSW: 11 games (1933-35) / QLD: 4 games (1936)
Australia: 6 Tests, 23 Tour Matches (1933-36)

Tagged as "the greatest five-eighth" ever, Hey was a teenage wonder, making just 6 appearances for Wests before playing all 3 Tests with the 1933-34 Kangaroos. His nuggety shape belied his strength, step, mobility and energy. After winning a premiership with Wests in 1934, then playing in the 1936 Ashes series, he took his skills to England and continued to mesmerise all.

Ken IRVINE (b.1940-d.1990)
Clubs: North Sydney, Manly (1958-73)
NSW: 30 games (1959-67)
Australia: 31 Tests, 2 World Cup Games, 67 Tour Matches (1959-68)

The fastest player ever at the elite level of League in Australia, in 236 premiership games he scored 212 tries. Irvine backed his incomparable speed with top class positional play and skill. He played for Australia for ten seasons, amassing 100 appearances with over 90 tries and 1255 points. After 12 loyal seasons for the Bears, his desire for Grand Final glory saw him move to Manly where he was a key member of the 1972/73 Sea Eagles title winners.

Keith HOLMAN (b.1927)
Clubs: Western Suburbs (1949-61)
NSW: 24 games (1950-58)
Australia: 32 Tests, 3 World Cup Games, 2 Internationals, 18 Tour Matches (1950-58)

A 13 season career with Wests began in 1949, within 18 months he was the halfback that led Australia to its first Ashes series win in 30 seasons. Kangaroo Tours followed as he racked up 32 Tests. Holman coached Wests and travelled across the nation & to PNG to lead the development of juniors. He refereed the 1971 Grand Final and the 1972 Test series. Never has a man contributed so much to rugby league in different roles.

Harold HORDER (b.1894-d.1978)
Clubs: Sth Sydney, Nth Sydney, Coorparoo (1912-26) NSW: 20 games (1913-24) / QLD: 1 game (1925)
Australia: 13 Tests, 24 Tour Matches (1914-24)

His records alone stand testimony to his talents. In a 15 season career - that featured no lower grade games - he scored better than a try a match : 239 tries in 194 games. Using a powerful "don't argue" fend or his sparkling footwork and pace to defeat defenders, Horder's exhilirating play pulled thousands of new spectators to League. He was arguably the reason Norths won the 1921 & 22 titles. On the 1921/22 Kangaroo Tour he blazed 35 tries.

Graeme LANGLANDS (b.1941)
Clubs: Wollongong, St. George (1962-76)
NSW: 36 games (1962-75)
Australia: 34 Tests, 11 World Cup Games, 45 Tour Matches (1963-75)

The greatest fullback in an era rich with talent, Langlands was a key playmaker in the final four Grand Finals of the Saints record run. His versatility saw him play many match-winning performances from the centres for the Dragons and Australia. Through his outstanding ability he rose to the top echelon of players ever to grace the game. A tough competitor and shrewd tactician, he was entrusted with the role of captain-coach of Australia.

Wally LEWIS (b.1959)
Clubs: Brisbane Valleys, Wynnum-Manly, Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast, Wakefield Trinity (1978-92)
QLD: 42 games (1979-91) includes 31 Origin games Australia: 33 Tests, 1 World Cup Game, 19 Tour Matches (1981-91)

Undisputed as Queensland's best ever, Wally Lewis is considered by many to be at the very top of Australia's finest players. An astute - and crafty - player, he has been able to dominate at every level of the game and produce the team results to match it. Without Lewis, the success of the Origin concept and the Brisbane Broncos may never have eventuated.

Mal MENINGA (b.1960)
Clubs: Souths Brisbane, St Helens, Canberra (1979-94) QLD: 38 games (1979-94) includes 32 Origin games Australia: 45 Tests, 1 World Cup Game, 2 Internationals, 28 Tour Matches (1982-94)

Merely possessing a Test career that extended 13 seasons - including four Kangaroo Tours - puts Meninga into the level of the greats. Throw in club premierships in two states, State of Origin success, stirling captaincy and a remarkable resilience to come back from a broken arm on four occassions, elevates 'Big Mal' to one of the best rugby league players of all time.

Dally MESSENGER (b.1883-d.1959)
Clubs: Eastern Suburbs (1908-13)
NSW: 22 games (1908-13) / QLD: 1 game (1908)
Australia: 7 Tests, 2 Internationals, 29 Tour Matches (1908-10)
New Zealand: 3 Tests, 26 Tour Matches (1907-08)

"The Master". When paying tribute to Messenger, it is a matter of using those two words or being forced into pages to describe his prolific deeds. He was a points-scoring machine, some of his records still stand nearly a century later. His unorthodox, flashy and unpredictable play set crowds alight and mesmerised opponents. A centre for Easts, NSW, Qld and two nations - his crowd appeal ignited League in Australia.

Norm PROVAN (b.193..)
Clubs: St George (1951-65)
NSW: 19 games (1954-61)
Australia: 14 Tests, 4 World Cup Games, 1 International, 12 Tour Matches (1954-60)

Tall and strong second rower in the great St George side - Provan featured in the first ten of thier record eleven straight Grand Final victories. He also enjoyed success with the Australian Test and World Cup teams, and his towering figure forms part of the current NRL trophy.

Wally PRIGG (b.1908-d.1980)
Clubs: Newcastle Wests, Central Newcastle (1927-1939) NSW: 35 games (1929-39)
Australia: 19 Tests, 70 Tour Matches (1929-38)

Prigg was the perfect lock forward player - his intelligent play provided the finest of links between the forwards and backs. He was a clever and creative player, who possessed an alert mind for the game and explored its possibilities in a conservative era. The first man to go on three Kangaroo Tours (the 1937/38 tour as captain), he represented NSW for 11 seasons - entirely from his home town of Newcastle.

John RAPER (b.1939)
Clubs: Newtown, St. George, Newcastle Wests, Kurri Kurri (1957-73)
NSW: 31 games (1959-70)
Australia: 33 Tests, 6 World Cup Games, 35 Tour Matches (1959-68)

Raper was a mainstay of the great St. George and Australian sides of the 1960s. He forged out an incomparable career as an all time champion and genuine great character. Though small and not that quick in pace, Raper was tough and had a football instinct at a level miles above his peers. He displayed intensity and dedication in the game like few others. Eight premierships for the Dragons and legendary Test performances were a true reflection of his talents.