Mal Meninga has paid tribute to the influence of Wayne Bennett after became the 13th player inducted as an Immortal.

Meninga joined Dally Messenger, Dave Brown, Frank Burge and Norm Provan as the latest members of rugby league’s most exclusive club during a lavish ceremony at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Meninga revealed he may have followed another career path had it not been for the guidance of the seven-time premiership-winning coach.

Anointed: Mal Meninga after being inducted at the NRL Immortals night at SCG. Credit:AAP

“I’m very privileged to have so many great mentors, not only in footy but outside of footy,” Meninga said.

“I’ve already acknowledged Wayne and the very important role he played in my life when I was a 15-, 16-, 17-year-old kid growing up, not understanding what life is all about.