Six NRL players named for hall of fame

Some of the best players of the 1990s have been named as inductees to the NRL Hall of Fame.

NRL Fame

Queensland and Broncos great Petero Civoniceva is among six new inductees to the NRL Hall of Fame. (AAP)

Rugby league's golden 1990s featured prominently as six players - including five from the era - were named as inductees into the NRL Hall of Fame on Tuesday night.

Petero Civoniceva, Mark Graham, Cliff Lyons, Steve Menzies, Ricky Stuart and Gorden Tallis were recognised for their playing achievements and will join the 100 inaugural members from 2008.

The six will be formally inducted at a ceremony at the SCG on August 1, which will also announce up to two new Immortals.

They were selected by a panel of 25 judges.

Longevity, individual achievements and representative appearances were all considered in the make-up of the players to be added.

Graham, a North Sydney stalwart and New Zealand Test captain in the 1980s, became the first Kiwi recognised.

Between the other five inductees there was a total of 1393 premiership matches, 123 Tests and 90 State of Origins played - as well as 12 premierships won.

Front rower Civoniceva was known for his uncompromising approach on the field but for being a gentleman off it and logged 309 NRL games between Brisbane and Penrith as well as 33 Origins for Queensland.

Former Manly teammates Lyons (332) and Menzies (349) were at the core of a strong Sea Eagles team in the 1990s; the former a deft playmaker, the latter a seemingly unbreakable utility who became the highest try-scoring forward in the game.

Stuart was a scheming halfback who spent much of his career with Canberra and played 14 State of Origins for NSW and nine Tests for Australia before embarking on a coaching career.

Tallis was perhaps the most dominant forward in the competition during the mid to late 1990s with the Brisbane Broncos and went on to shine for both the Maroons and Queensland.


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Source: AAP



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