Three legends of the game have all called for Australian coach Mal Meninga to be named the ninth immortal, and one of those legends is in direct competition with Meninga for the honour.

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Parramatta Eels legend Peter Sterling, Brisbane and Maroons legend Darren Lockyer, and eighth Immortal Andrew Johns all believe that Meninga is the clear choice to be named the ninth member of the exclusive club, despite a large proportion of the NRL community getting behind Norm Provan .

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg confirmed that another name would be added to the list at some point in 2018, and it's hard to argue against the man currently in charge of the Kangaroos.

"When I was selected to be the eighth Immortal I really thought he (Meninga) would have been picked then for what he's done in the game as a player and as a coach," Johns told Wide World of Sports .

"Four Kangaroos tours, what he's done for Queensland, what he built down there in Canberra. Just an amazing player, great leadership and a real character of our game."

Sterling, a four-time premiership winner with the Eels, agreed with Johns' comments.

"Mal Meninga would be my man to come in as the next Immortal," Sterling said.

Considering Lockyer has now been retired from the game for five years, he is eligible for Immortal status.

He along with Meninga and Provan have been the three names thrust into Immortal contention.

Lockyer's record is amazing.

357 matches for the Broncos, three NRL premierships (not including the '97 Super League), 36 Origin matches for QLD which included seven series wins, 59 Test matches for Australia, including a record 38 as captain, and still holds the record of most tries for his country with 35.

And that doesn't even include his personal accolades.

Three-time Dally M Player of the Year, Clive Churchill Medal winner, two-time Golden Boot award winner, three-time Dally M five-eighth of the Year, Provan Summons Medal winner, and Wally Lewis Medal winner, the list is almost endless.

Yet, Lockyer believes Meninga deserves the title.

"From my perspective, Mal in his playing career and you throw in what he's done as a coach, it's pretty impressive," Lockyer said.

He has a point.

Meninga, now 57, is arguably Canberra Raiders' most important player ever, along with Laurie Daley.

He is the only player to ever be selected for four Kangaroos tours and led the Raiders to three premierships, as well as two other finals.

His coaching career is just as decorated.

Meninga was at the helm for the Maroons' most brutal period of dominance against the Blues, winning 20 of his 30 games in charge.

Only time will tell if Meninga is provided with the highest honour in rugby league.

LIST OF CURRENT RUGBY LEAGUE IMMORTALS

Clive Churchill, Bob Fulton, Reg Gasnier, Johhny Rapier, Graeme Langlands, Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson and Andrew Johns.