Andrew Johns and Wally Lewis hit out as NRL legends snubbed from voting for next Immortal

The NRL unveiled the league's 14th Immortal on Wednesday night, but the three living members of the prestigious club - Andrew Johns, Wally Lewis and Mal Meninga - didn't have a say on who was selected. Ron Coote was selected ahead of the likes of Cameron Smith, Allan Langer, Brett Kenny, Peter Sterling, Brad Fittler and Darren Lockyer at a gala dinner at the SCG.

A 14-person committee was put together to vote on the next Immortal, which includes members of the media, historians and administrators. The committee members aren't known, but Johns, Lewis and Meninga have revealed they weren't consulted and weren't on the panel.

“It would have been nice to be involved, but we weren’t asked,” Meninga told the Sydney Morning Herald. “It will always be something that is subjective anyway. But we weren’t needed. I can’t comment on this year’s Immortal because I never got the chance to vote.”

Johns said, "I would have thought the three Immortals who are still alive would have got a phone call", while Lewis added: "I’m not upset. I’m just a bit surprised. I have [voted] previously.”

The Sydney Morning Herald also revealed that Ray Warren isn't on the committee either. Warren is one of the most respected voices in the history of the game having commentated for over 50 years. But he also wasn't chosen to cast a vote.

Lewis has been part of previous panels to vote in new Immortals, while Meninga has been asked to vote on Hall of Fame inductions in the past. The NRL said the 14-person committee is a new concept introduced for this year's Hall of Fame and Immortal vote.

“The Hall of Fame Committee was a new process that consolidated all major aspects of the Hall of Fame properties, including both the Hall of Fame and the Immortals for the first time,” a league spokesperson said. “It included 14 people who represent media, historians and administrators, all of whom have extensive experience in the game.”

Darryl Brohman to boycott Hall of Fame ceremony over Les Boyd call

Meanwhile, Darryl Brohman has revealed he won't be attending the ceremony on Wednesday night to avoid "causing a scene". Brohman has publicly criticised the NRL over the decision to induct long-time enemy Les Boyd into the Hall of Fame this year.

Boyd infamously broke Brohman's jaw with a shocking elbow during a State of Origin game in 1983, which saw him receive a 12-month ban. Boyd was also hit with a 15-month ban for eye-gouging Billy Johnstone in just his third game back from the first suspension.

“I was invited, and I did agree, but I’ve since decided I won’t be going,” Brohman said on Tuesday. “Seriously, what is the point of going there? What would it achieve? Nothing. I don’t want to draw any more attention away from the people who deserve it.

“That was never my intention. Because that’s the one thing out of all this that does upset me, that I have probably taken away the spotlight away on the 10 who thoroughly deserve to be there. I was asked to attend about six weeks ago. I wanted to go and celebrate David Morrow’s achievements in rugby league and sport in general, but if I go there the focus is going to be on me and him (Boyd)."

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As Brohman mentioned, his absence will mean he misses out on celebrating great mate Morrow, who died last month after it was revealed he'd be inducted into the Hall for his work in the media. “Whether that’s a right decision or not, I don’t know but that’s a decision I’ve made," Brohman said. “I must admit the last week has taken a bit of the joy away, but I’ll move on."

The NRL 'Immortals' club:

• Clive Churchill

• John Raper

• Reg Gasnier

• Bob Fulton

• Dave Brown

• Frank Burge

• Mal Meninga

• Dally Messenger

• Norm Provan

• Andrew Johns

• Arthur Beetson

• Wally Lewis

• Graeme Langlands

• Ron Coote