Smith shouldn't be next Immortal: Johns

Cameron Smith should not become the next Immortal, Andrew Johns says. Johns has often said that Smith is the best player he's seen, yet nonetheless thinks that the champion hooker should wait his turn. However, an awkward log-jam may occur when Smith becomes eligible. Players are made to wait at least five years from retirement until they are considered for the NRL Hall of Fame, a mandatory requirement for Immortal induction. Johns himself retired in April 2007 and became the eighth Immortal in September 2012. Smith's retirement fits neatly with the Immortal induction cycle; players are considered every four years, with the next potential inductions coming in 2022 and 2026. A maximum of two players can be inducted in a normal cycle. Other potential Immortals do not fit in so handily as Smith. Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater both retired in 2018, so will just miss the next cycle. Champion halfback Peter Sterling last year touted Brad Fittler and Darren Lockyer as his next inductees. They retired in 2004 and 2011 respectively and may be considered next year. At least one player must be selected per cycle under current rules. Fittler himself said that Lockyer and Thurston would be his next Immortals.