St George Dragons halfback Billy Smith was honoured for his prowess on the field by being named in the Men of League Foundation's Magnificent 7 on Thursday.
Smith is regarded as one of the most talented and tenacious halfbacks in post-war rugby league and made 234 first-grade appearances.
The local St George junior won four Premierships for the Club (1963, 1964, 1965 and 1966) as well as representing Australia internationally on 26 occasions.
The Men of League Foundation's Magnificent 7 identified the seven greatest halfbacks, as voted by the Australian rugby league public, to have strapped on football boots at an elite level in Australia since 1961.
Fourteen nominees for the Men of League’s Magnificent 7 were hand-picked by an expert panel comprising Wayne Bennett, Neil Cadigan, Phil Rothfield, Tim Sheens and Warren Smith.
The rugby league community were then invited to select their Magnificent 7 from the nominees.
After more than 2,400 votes were cast by the rugby league loving public and a long, diligent count the final results are in and we can unveil the Men of League’s Magnificent 7:
Billy Smith
Andrew Johns
Allan Langer
Steve Mortimer
Tommy Raudonikis
Peter Sterling
Johnathan Thurston
Chairman of the Men of League Foundation, Ron Coote said "It is my privilege to acknowledge these players as one of the Magnificent 7 halfbacks.
"Their exemplary commitment to the game of rugby league via their skill, dedication and flair has, according to the rugby league public, counted them among the best on record since television broadcasting began in 1961.
"It is my pleasure to have had the opportunity to watch these great players play.
"Their ranking as one of Men of League’s Magnificent 7 is testament to their ability to lead their team in a pivotal role on the field and to provide the rugby league community with both inspiration and entertainment.
"On behalf of the Board of the Men of League, congratulations to these Magnificent 7 on a brilliant career and this worthy recognition of your contribution to rugby league."
