The Men of League Foundation have announced their Magnificent 7 – the seven greatest halfbacks voted by the Australian rugby league public to have strapped on football boots at an elite level in Australia since 1961.
Today, we start with Andrews Johns, one of the greatest players to ever pull on the sky blue jersey.
A total of 14 nominees for the Men of League’s Magnificent 7 were hand-picked by an expert panel comprising Wayne Bennett, Neil Cadigan, Phil Rothfield, Tim Sheens and Warren Smith.
The rugby league community were then invited to select their Magnificent 7 from the nominees.
After more than 2,400 votes were cast by the rugby league loving public and a long, diligent count the final results are in and we can unveil the Men of League’s Magnificent 7:
- Andrew Johns
- Allan Langer
- Steve Mortimer
- Tommy Raudonikis
- Billy Smith
- Peter Sterling
- Johnathan Thurston
Last Thursday the Magnificent 7 were announced, Chairman of the Men of League Foundation, Ron Coote said: “It is my privilege to acknowledge these players as one of the Magnificent 7 halfbacks.
“Their exemplary commitment to the game of rugby league via their skill, dedication and flair has, according to the rugby league public, counted them among the best on record since television broadcasting began in 1961.
“It is my pleasure to have had the opportunity to watch these great players play. Their ranking as one of Men of League’s Magnificent 7 is testament to their ability to lead their team in a pivotal role on the field and to provide the rugby league community with both inspiration and entertainment.
“On behalf of the Board of the Men of League, congratulations to these Magnificent 7 on a brilliant career and this worthy recognition of your contribution to rugby league,” Ron Coote concluded.
