NRL honours retiring Group Seven Rugby League trio on grand final day

Joining the Group Seven trio in the retiring party was the NRL's most-capped (430 games) player Cameron Smith, as well as Boyd Cordner, Dale Copley (both Roosters), Alex Glenn, Jordan Kahu (both Broncos), Michael Morgan, Justin O'Neill (both Cowboys), Anthony Don (Titans) and Issac Luke (Rabbitohs) - who were all in attendance on Sunday.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and border closures, the three South Coast talents and other departing players Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Leeson Ah Mau (both Warriors), Jake Friend, Sonny Bill Williams (both Roosters), Iosia Soliola (Raiders), Russell Packer (Tigers), Blake Green (Knights), Honey Hireme-Smiler (Dragons), Blake Ferguson (Eels) and Josh Dugan (Sharks) were unable to attend on the day.

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All 13 of those players you missed out on the day's celebrations will be given the opportunity to participate in the 2022 tribute.

"As part of our great grand final tradition, we paid tribute to our retiring and departing NRL players, who have provided us with some unforgettable moments and memories," NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.

"This was our opportunity to acknowledge those who have done so much for our game over a significant period of time.

"Unfortunately due to the current health environment, we weren't able to see all of our retirees in the venue, but we recognised them all during the day and for some, at next year's grand final too."

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