That was the challenge the Men of League foundation presented initially to a panel of experts, then the general public: coming up with the seven best No.7s of the television era.

In an initiative marking the beginning of Heritage Round, the MOL whittled down a list of 14 nominees to the chosen ones. They were announced at a gala dinner at Le Montage on Thursday evening as, in alphabetical order, Andrew Johns, Allan Langer, Steve Mortimer, Tommy Raudonikis, Billy Smith, Peter Sterling and Johnathan Thurston.

It is a measure of their magnificence that fellow nominees Cooper Cronk, Greg Alexander, Stacey Jones, Brett Kimmorley, Barry Muir, Ricky Stuart and Arthur Summons didn't make the final cut.

League author and historian Ian Heads, when speaking about his contribution in compiling Canterbury's Hall of Fame and Team of the Decade inductees, said: "The healthy thing is it stimulates debate. People might argue, say we are mugs and we should have picked someone else. You expect that, that's healthy and it's been that way in rugby league since 1908."

Heads may have been referring to the Magnificent 7 or any other exercise in which players, sometimes of different eras, are judged against each other. On this occasion, a panel comprising Wayne Bennett, Neil Cadigan, Phil Rothfield, Tim Sheens and Warren Smith was tasked with compiling a list of 14 nominees. The public then decided the make up of the Magnificent 7, and more than 2400 votes were recorded.

For Johns, his inclusion is yet another honour to add to his Golden Boot, his three Dally M medals, his "halfback of the century" title and Immortality.

Sterling was the general behind Parramatta's golden run of four premierships during the 1980s, the last in 1986. On Wednesday night that famous victory over Canterbury – this weekend's opponent – was celebrated as part of Heritage Round celebrations, which included Sterling commentating on the game with Triple M's Dan Ginane during a broadcast of the match.

"They were the best halves pairing I ever played against," Sterling said during his call, in reference to the Bulldogs duo of Mortimer and Terry Lamb. That both Sterling and Mortimer were chosen is a nod towards the affection with which the great combatants are still regarded.

"It is my privilege to acknowledge these players as one of the Magnificent 7 halfbacks," said Men of League chairman Ron Coote.

"Their exemplary commitment to the game of rugby league via their skill, dedication and flair has, according to the rugby league public, counted them among the best on record since television broadcasting began in 1961.

"It is my pleasure to have had the opportunity to watch these great players play. Their ranking as one of Men of League's Magnificent 7 is testament to their ability to lead their team in a pivotal role on the field and to provide the rugby league community with both inspiration and entertainment.

"On behalf of the board of the Men of League, congratulations to these Magnificent 7 on a brilliant career and this worthy recognition of your contribution to rugby league."

THE MAGNIFICENT 7

Andrew Johns

Allan Langer

Steve Mortimer

Tommy Raudonikis

Billy Smith

Peter Sterling

Johnathan Thurston