The National Rugby League (NRL) today announced that Wayne Bennett and Jack Gibson would be the first ever Coaches to be inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame.
The NRL has also announced that legendary administrators Ken Arthurson and John Quayle would be inducted into the Hall of Fame as Contributors, alongside broadcast icons Frank Hyde and David Morrow.
Bennett is the longest serving coach in the game’s history, having coached 933 games through a career with Canberra (1987), Brisbane (1988-2008 and 2015-18), St George Illawarra (2009-11), Newcastle (2012-14), South Sydney (2019-21) and the Dolphins (2023-24).
He has coached for 37 seasons at premiership level, winning seven premiership titles; six with Brisbane Broncos (1992-93, 1997-98, 2000 and 2006) and one with St George Illawarra (2010).
Bennett coached Queensland to seven State of Origin series wins from 25 games (1986-88, 1998, 2001, 2003 and 2020), while also coaching Australia (1998 and 2004-05), England (2016-18) and Great Britain (2019). He was also coaching advisor with New Zealand when the Kiwis won the World Cup in 2008.
Gibson won five premiership titles as a Coach with Eastern Suburbs (1974-75) and Parramatta (1981-83). He won 245 of 394 games as first grade coach for a winning percentage of 62.2. He also coached New South Wales in 1989-90, claiming a series victory in 1990.
Gibson’s career at Premiership level spanned 20 years; he coached Eastern Suburbs (1967-68 and 1974-76), St George (1970-71), Newtown (1973), South Sydney (1978-79), Parramatta (1981-83) and Cronulla (1985-87).
“It is an historic moment for the game to recognise for the first time the extraordinary contribution of two legendary coaches, Jack Gibson and Wayne Bennett,” ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said.
“Wayne is the ultimate people manager. He has the rare ability to get the best of a player, no matter their background. Players who come from hard times or players who have everything, Wayne takes them to another level. He can make every player the most important in the team. He has a rare presence that gains the attention of all demographics.
“Jack was just the first super coach. He took calculated risks that always seemed to pay off. Jack was innovative and futuristic and was ahead of his time. His one liners were legendary.”
Hyde turned to refereeing after retirement before forging a legendary career as a broadcaster.
Hyde called 31 consecutive grand finals on Sydney radio station 2SM (1953-83), appeared regularly as a panellist on Ron Casey’s 'World of Sport' program on Channel Nine, made countless overseas tours following Kangaroo teams, calling games and hosting supporters tours, and was ultimately awarded an MBE and inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
He is joined in the Hall of Fame by Morrow, an iconic broadcaster and one of the most respected voices in the game through his time with ABC and 2GB.
“Frank Hyde was a pioneer in Rugby League broadcasting. His unique description of players kicking for goal - “it’s long enough, it’s high enough, it’s straight between the posts” is recalled with esteem to this day,” Mr V’landys said.
“We will now have two giants of broadcasting as part of the 2024 NRL Hall of Fame inductees. David Morrow has been one of the great voices of the game – recognised around the country for his wit, his insight and his knowledge. I had the pleasure of knowing David throughout my career in sport and he was a champion in every sense of the word."
Arthurson was a legendary administrator who was ARL chairman from 1983 to 1997 and NSWRL chairman from 1987-97. A former Manly Warringah Sea Eagles player, coach and administrator, he was honoured in 1988 as a member of the Order of Australia in recognition of service to rugby league.
A former Australian representative player (two Tests in 1975), Quayle was appointed general manager of the NSWRL in 1983 and served as the game’s leading CEO until 1997. He oversaw sweeping changes in the 1980s including the expansion of the competition from 13 to 16 teams in 1988 with the admission of the Brisbane Broncos, Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Giants and then the introduction of a salary cap in 1990.
“It is fitting that John Quayle and Ken Arthurson are recognised together,” Mr V’landys said. “They were a great team and navigated the game through an important time in the game’s history.
“John Quayle was progressive as an administrator, strong of mind and character, and served the game as a leader for many years. Rugby League was lucky to have his leadership in challenging times for the game. Who could ever forget the iconic Tina Turner marketing campaign, which to this day is remembered as one of Australia’s best ever promotions.
“Ken is one of the game’s most famed administrators, who led the game through periods of challenge but also incredible prosperity and popularity. Ken’s experience in all facets of the game, having been player and club administrator brought wisdom and knowledge to take the game forward.
“On behalf of the Australian Rugby League Commission and the Hall of Fame Committee, I congratulate all of the inductees and their families on this special honour.”
The formal inductions will be made in a special ceremony on Wednesday, August 21 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
