An international committee selected the inaugural IRL Hall of Legends class from more than 240 nominees.
The 42 inductees comprise 10 players from before 1954, 26 male players from the post-1954 era and six women, representing Australia, England, New Zealand, France, Wales, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
Jason Taumalolo is among them; his decision to represent Tonga at the 2017 World Cup changed international rugby league.
Wayne Bennett presented awards at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday, ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup finals.
Women inducted include Ali Brigginshaw, Karyn Murphy, Tahnee Norris, Honey Hireme-Smiler, Trish Hina and Luisa Avaiki.
Brigginshaw retired after the 2026 NRLW season, having made 29 appearances for Australia and been Player of the Match in the 2017 and 2022 World Cup finals.
Thirteen Immortals are included, among them Wally Lewis, Mal Meninga, Andrew Johns, Arthur Beetson and Clive Churchill.
IRL Chairman Troy Grant said: "The inaugural IRL Hall of Legends Inductees is a special group of players and a real who's who of International Rugby League.
The next induction, during Rugby League World Cup 2030, will consider Wheelchair Rugby League players, allowing the discipline time to mature and broaden its candidate pool.