As with so much in rugby league, the race to become the code’s eighth Immortal appears to be divided down state lines.
Queensland’s Mal Meninga and NSW’s Andrew Johns cannot be split by rugby league greats, bookmakers or fans, and the voting panel is believed to have had similar troubles finding a clear winner.
It led to two greats of the game, Peter Sterling and Gary Belcher, on Wednesday calling for both to be inducted at Thursday night’s Men of League gala dinner.
“They stand out. I couldn’t argue with either inclusion,” Sterling, himself a strong chance to be nominated, told AAP.
“They both deserve to be there and will be there one day.
“It just depends on whose name comes out (on Thursday), if not two names.
“I’d be happy with either, I’d be happy with both.”
Belcher, who played 12 seasons with Meninga at Canberra and also played alongside him for Queensland and Australia, also supported the idea of a duel induction.
“Add me to the list of people who want them to announce two Immortals,” Belcher told AAP.
“I’m not detracting from Ron Coote or Norm Provan in any way, but I think the other two stand out.”
Meninga’s playing record is stunning, even excluding his remarkable run of leading the Maroons to seven series wins as coach.
Four Kangaroo tours, including two as captain, 32 games for Queensland, 45 Tests for Australia and three premierships at Canberra.
There wasn’t much he missed in a decorated career.
But Johns’ highlights live large in the memory too – two premierships at Newcastle, a bevy of match-winning efforts for the Blues and 24 Tests for Australia before a neck injury forced an early retirement.
“Great careers always come down to consistent excellence and longevity,” Sterling added.
“Not just longevity, but to be playing as well towards the end of your career as what you did earlier.
“They were consistently excellent from day one. They were dominant players and that’s what makes them stand out.”
Provan, who led St George during their unmatchable streak of 11-straight premierships during the 1950s and 60s, and South Sydney and Sydney Roosters great Coote remain a favourite of the old-timers.
Former Dragons halfback Billy Smith admitted he didn’t expect to hear Provan’s name, but said there was no more worthy candidate.
“Norm played in 10 winning grand finals and was captain coach of half of them. That isn’t bad is it?” he said.
“I think he deserves it but they’ve brushed him a bunch of times already so I don’t think he’ll get it.
“But you never know do you. I’ll always keep my fingers crossed.”
