LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Rugby league icons Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler have been honored with induction into the Stadium Australia Hall of Fame, as reported by roosters.com.au.
The gala event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sydney 2000 Olympics occurred on Monday, featuring Johns and Fittler among the first ten inductees. These inaugural inductees were selected from various sports that have drawn over 35 million visitors to the venue since its opening in 1999.
Other notable inductees included John Aloisi (football), John Eales (rugby), Cathy Freeman (athletics), Louise Sauvage (athletics), Mark Schwarzer (football), Tim Sullivan (athletics), Ian Thorpe (swimming), and Jonny Wilkinson (rugby).
Andrew Johns, affectionately known as 'Joey', was part of the Newcastle team that triumphed over Manly 41-18 in the inaugural NRL match at Stadium Australia on March 6, 1999. He contributed significantly with a try, six goals, and a field goal. That season, Johns also participated in both the first Test and Origin games held at the venue, establishing himself as a top halfback. Over his illustrious career, he secured three Dally M medals, the Clive Churchill Medal, two Golden Boots, and four State of Origin player-of-the-match awards, three at Stadium Australia. After suffering a broken jaw and a subsequent neck injury, he retired in early 2007, later being named the halfback in the Australian rugby league's Team of the Century.
Brad Fittler, known as 'Freddy', played 336 premiership matches from 1989 to 2004, achieving success with both Penrith and the Sydney Roosters. He earned premierships with each club and represented NSW in 31 State of Origin matches and 40 Tests. Fittler captained Australia 25 times and led his state to multiple victories, including significant wins in the first Origin match at Stadium Australia. As Roosters captain, he played key roles in four of the first six NRL grand finals at the venue, showcasing his exceptional playmaking abilities.