Benji Marshall Enters NRL Hall of Fame as Cameron Smith Eyes Immortal Status in Landmark Induction Ceremony

Benji Marshall has been honored with induction into the NRL Hall of Fame, becoming the fourth New Zealander to achieve this prestigious accolade. This recognition celebrates his remarkable contributions to the sport, particularly his instrumental role in leading the Wests Tigers to their inaugural premiership in 2005 and guiding the New Zealand Kiwis to a World Cup victory in 2008.

His induction aligns him with previous New Zealand inductees, including Mark Graham, Stacey Jones, and Ruben Wiki.

In a related development, the NRL has set the stage for Cameron Smith to potentially become the next Immortal of rugby league, as it elevates all three of Melbourne Storm’s celebrated “big three” to Hall of Fame status.

This trio, which includes Smith, Cooper Cronk, and Billy Slater, is being recognized for their exceptional impact on the game. Smith’s inclusion is part of a broader group of eleven male players announced as new Hall of Fame inductees, which also features Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston, Sam Burgess, and Benji Marshall.

The Hall of Fame class of 2024 also includes significant figures from the past and present of the sport. Australia’s first Indigenous representative, Lionel Morgan, known for his pioneering role in the game, alongside hard-hitting forward Les Boyd, and Balmain hooker Ben Elias, are part of this esteemed group. The list is completed by Steve Renouf, a four-time premiership winner with Brisbane.

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys expressed profound admiration for the inductees, acknowledging their exceptional achievements and contributions to the sport of rugby league.