Kiwi legends added to Hall of Fame

At a glance

Stacey Jones and Ruben Wiki shared many wonderful moments together throughout their playing days, but tonight might be hard to top.

The Kiwis legends were in a state of disbelief upon learning that they would become only the second and third New Zealanders – behind Mark Graham last year- to be inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame, which will be made official at a ceremony in Sydney.

While the pair played a season together for the Warriors in 2005, it was in the black-and-white jersey where their relationship flourished.

Wiki made his Kiwis debut in 1994, a year before Jones, but they spent Warriors team to play the Roosters: Roger Tuivasa-sheck (c), Adam Pompey, Peta Hiku, Gerard Beale, Ken Maumalo, Chanel Harris-tavita, Blake Green, Agnatius Paasi, Jazz Tevaga, Leeson Ah Mau, Adam Blair, Isaiah Papali’i, Lachlan Burr. Interchange: Adam Keighran, Sam Lisone, Bunty Afoa, Ligi Sao, Kodi Nikorima, Blake Ayshford, Leivaha Pulu, Hayze Perham

almost their entire test careers alongside each other up until 2006 – the former a hard-running centre-turned inspirational front-rower and leader and the latter as one of the country’s greatest playmakers.

They were instrumental in the Kiwis’ success during that period, including the 2005 Tri Nations triumph, and Wiki said it was only fitting to share the stage again with his good friend.

‘‘I’ve known Stacey for a long time and we’ve played a lot of footy together in the black and white jersey,’’ Wiki said. ‘‘To run outside him with the Warriors was a huge honour, now to do this . . . it’s so special.’’

The pair are among four players to be inducted, alongside Danny Buderus and Craig Young, bringing the total number in the Hall of Fame to 110.

Key playmaker Kodi Nikorima is in contention to return for the Warriors’ daunting NRL trip to the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.

Nikorima has been included on an extended bench for the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.