Cooper Cronk, who won six grands finals but would be unlikely to feature ahead of his Queensland teammates, is also now eligible after his 2019 retirement.

Andrew Johns is the most recent member of the Immortals group, added in 2012.

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Mal Meninga and Norm Provan were inducted in 2018, along with three pre-war players in Dave Brown, Frank Burge and Dally Messenger.

Darren Lockyer, Brian Bevan, Duncan Hall, Ken Irvine and Ron Coote were among others to miss out in 2018, and could still be considered.

It comes as the NRL also confirmed that commentator David Morrow would be one of those inducted into the hall of fame.

“Those being acknowledged are legends of the game and their achievements through the course of the game’s history will now be honoured in the hall of fame forever,” chairman Peter V’landys said.

“I’m so pleased that the group were unanimous around the induction of David Morrow.

“David is a legendary contributor to the game over many decades and has provided colourful and insightful coverage of the game in his own unique style.

“He has a health battle on his hands and the committee were steadfast in their view that ‘Thirsty’ should be afforded this recognition as soon as possible.”

From next year on, the NRL will induct two men’s players and one women’s player each year, as well as two coaches, two referees and two contributors every four years.

A new Immortal will also be announced every four years under the plan.

AAP