Taumalolo, Cunningham among final nominations for IRL Hall of Legends

International Rugby League Chair Troy Grant has congratulated inspirational Tonga leader Jason Taumalolo and England Women’s captain Jodie Cunningham on their nominations as candidates for induction into the inaugural IRL Hall of Legends.

Taumalolo and Cunningham were among 75 nominees chosen for consideration as inductees after an initial round of voting by a committee of esteemed Rugby League coaches, players, administrators, journalists, commentators and historians.

They are the only players representing their nations at IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 under consideration in an indication of their longevity and influence on the game.

More than 240 players were considered, and the judging panel will now determine 40 of the game’s greatest international players for induction, comprising of:

• 10 (ten) Men's players who began their international careers before the inaugural Rugby League World Cup in 1954;
• 24 (twenty-four) men’s players who first represented their country during or after the 1954 World Cup, hosted by France, and;
• 6 (six) women’s players.

Taumalolo and Cunningham are considered trailblazers – Taumalolo for players of Pasifika heritage and Cunningham for Women’s players.

Photo: Jodie Cunningham with schoolchildren in Papua New Guinea during Great Britain's 2019 tour. @SWPix

Jillaroos great Ali Brigginshaw, who retired after the recent NRLW grand final, has also been nominated.

Taumalolo will make his 32nd international appearance on Friday night against Lebanon – and his 22nd for Tonga, with whom he led a revolution at the 2017 World Cup that changed the face of international game for the better.

Cunningham is set to add to her record as the most capped Women’s international player when she lines up for her 36th appearance with England, for whom she debuted in 2009, against Wales, in Saturday night’s prime time clash with Australia in Perth.

The IRL Hall of Legends honours the heroes from the origins of international rugby league whose pioneering feats led to the establishment of the Rugby League World Cup in 1954 and the stars of the modern era who have elevated the game to new heights.

To be considered for induction into the IRL Hall of Legends, nominees will have:

• Made a significant contribution to International Rugby League and/or
• Be a Member of their Nation’s Hall of Fame or equivalent recognition, and/or
• Played a minimum of 5 (five) Tests, and/or
• Been awarded an IRL Golden Cap (50 Tests) and/or
• Won the IRL Golden Boot/RLIF International Player-of-the-Year award.

IRL Chair Troy Grant said: "The creation of the IRL Hall of Legends to celebrate and honour players' contribution to International Rugby league is long overdue and special for the game.

"The list of candidates and now list of nominees for induction is simply outstanding. This process for me, as I’m confident it will for others, has triggered fond memories of very special players whose feats on the rugby league field will be tied to special memories in every rugby league fans' life.

"The heritage of our game isn’t celebrated enough and it’s wonderful to be able to recognise players, who on the back of their special efforts that heritage has been cemented, and ensure they are appropriately honoured in this way.

"They have never played for individual recognition, but this honour is what they deserve."