Cronulla Sharks legend Steve Rogers has been inducted into the NSW Rugby League hall of fame.
Rogers, Ken Irvine and Keith Holman were awarded the posthumous honour at The Star on Monday night as part of the True Blues function.
Former Sharks and St George Dragons centre Rogers, who played 231 first grade games, represented NSW 21 times between 1973 and 1982. He played in the inaugural State of Origin clash for NSW against Queensland in 1980.
Rogers also played 24 times for Australia between 1975 and 1983.
Rogers’ son, Donny, accepted the award on his father’s behalf and said some of his fondest memories growing up were being ball boy for his dad at Shark Park alongside his brother, Mat.
“I just admired everything most other people did. His speed, his balance, timing, his presence on the field, his awareness,” he said.
“But some of the most memorable moments I guess were off the field and the relationships he made with a lot of people. His friendships and his love of the game.
“Whether it was club, country or state he definitely loved pulling on any jersey but he loved the blue one.”
The NSWRL hall of fame was launched last year with six inductees – Bradley Clyde, Ron Coote, Laurie Daley, Brad Fittler, Bob McCarthy and Norm Provan. The seven Immortals to have represented NSW – Clive Churchill, Reg Gasnier, John Raper, Bob Fulton, Graeme Langlands, Arthur Beetson and Andrew Johns, were automatic inductions.
The eligibility criteria was determined by a selection committee of NSWRL chairman Dr George Peponis, Australian selectors Bob Fulton and Bob McCarthy and journalists Phil Rothfield and Andrew Webster working in conjunction with statistician David Middleton.
Players must have played 10 games or more for NSW or captained his state, must have played for Australia and be retired for at least five seasons.