Cameron Smith Poised for Immortal Status

The NRL is all set to announce its first new Immortal since 2018, and rugby league fans are buzzing with excitement. On Wednesday night, they’ll reveal who joins the exclusive club of legends with 121 players eligible for this prestigious honor.

Cameron Smith, the icon from the Melbourne Storm, is being heavily favored to become the 14th Immortal. The eligibility rules have changed, allowing players who retired as recently as three years ago to be considered, placing Smith firmly in contention.

Greg Alexander mentioned on Fox Sports that if you were to bet on it, Cameron Smith would be the “red-hot favourite.” Even Gorden Tallis agrees, stating that out of all the nominees, Smith stands out due to his incredible career.

Despite the buzz around his potential induction, Smith is maintaining a grounded perspective. He shared on Fox League that he has “no expectations” about being named an Immortal and mentioned a few other legends he believes deserve recognition, including Ron Coote and Darren Lockyer.

The Hall of Fame ceremony will be live-streamed on Fox League and Kayo Sports, creating a chance for fans to witness this significant moment for the game. The anticipation is building as the shortlist includes several legends such as Allan Langer, Brett Kenny, and Johnathan Thurston.

In a twist of history, Darren Lockyer could have been the ninth Immortal had the NRL not acquired the rights to the Immortals concept. Back in 2012, following Lockyer’s retirement, he was a sure contender for the honor under the old judging panel, but things changed when the NRL took over.

Lockyer remarked on the special impact of players like Alfie Langer, emphasizing that his talent was unmatched in his career. It’s a competitive field, and all nominees have left a remarkable mark on rugby league.