NRL history beckons for New Zealand Rugby legends Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki and Mark Graham after being shortlisted to the top 25 for the Hall of Fame list.
Stacey Jones at Warriors training Photo: Photosport Ltd 2016 www.photosport.nz
25 legends of the game will be inducted to the revamped Hall of Fame in July, joining the 100 greatest players in rugby league's history already named during centenary celebrations in 2008.
Among the final ballot of players nominated are modern-day marvels Greg Alexander, Cliff Lyons, Danny Buderus and Ricky Stuart, while the likes of Gorden Tallis, Paul Harragon and Petero Civoniceva lead the forward contingent.
New Zealanders Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki and Mark Graham have the chance to make history in becoming the first Kiwi to join the Hall of Fame, with the initial 100 inductees chosen solely from Australian representatives.
Ruben Wiki leading the Warriors out during 2017 NRL Nines tournament Photo: Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
A 25-man panel - made up of historians, administrators, veteran media types and 10 current Hall of Fame members - will be tasked with choosing the six champions from this year's shortlist for induction.
With most all contenders boasting double-figure tallies for state and Test caps among a host of individual honours and premierships, the Hall of Fame's strength can be readily measured by the quality of those that don't make the cut.
"That's a good reference to the actual process and how thorough the process is," NRL awards manager Frank Puletua said.
"We go through a very defined objective model, and then we place the subjective voting up against it.
"We get a really well-rounded view of these players, their number speak for themselves. Their performances on different stages speak for themselves as well.
"There will be a chosen few who go through and it's going to be fascinating to see it play out."
Nominees will be judged according to a set of guiding principles - covering everything from creativity in attack to leadership qualities and physical endurance - designed by a group of ex-players including Nathan Hindmarsh and Andrew Ryan.
In essence, the greats of the game will be evaluated on the qualities their peers hold highest.
"It's a phenomenal list of players and it's humbling to even be considered for a nomination," Alexander told NRL.com.
"You play the game because you love it, but that kind of recognition is something pretty special.
"...We've seen other sports really take control of their Hall of Fame concept and from this year it's taking real pride of place in the game."
As with the Immortals concept, Hall of Fame contenders must be retired from the NRL for five years before nomination.
From 2019, four players will be inducted each year, with separate categories also to be created for coaches, referees and contributors to the game starting next year as well.
