Piggins, Heads inducted into NRL's hall of fame

A one-club man, Piggins played for the Rabbitohs between 1967 and 1978 and was the starting hooker in their 1971 grand-final victory.

He had a 51 per cent winning record as the club's coach between 1986 and 1990, twice receiving the Dally M coach of the year award in that time.

But it was Piggins' influence as chairman in 2002 that has ensured his lasting legacy.

The now-78-year-old was integral to Souths winning reinstatement to the NRL after they were a casualty of the Super League war.

Since 2003, the Rabbitohs' player of the year has received the George Piggins Medal in recognition of his service to the club.

"George Piggins has made a massive contribution to the game of rugby league over his lifetime. His dedication as a determined administrator, coach and player deserves recognition," Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys said.

"His determination, fighting spirit and ultimate success will forever be enshrined in rugby league history. 

"George epitomises the spirit of rugby league - aspire, work hard, never give up and succeed."

Heads becomes just the fourth non-player - alongside administrator JJ Giltinan, commentator Ray Warren and journalist Peter Frilingos - to be admitted into the hall of fame.

Heads began his career covering sport with the Daily Telegraph in the 1960s and later served as editor of Rugby League Week.

Biographies on players Ben Elias, Brad Fittler, Andrew Ettingshausen and Peter Sterling are among the more than 50 books Heads has either written or co-written.

He has also written extensively on the history of the game, including comprehensive biographies of the Sydney Roosters, the Rabbitohs and the development of rugby league in Australia.

"Ian Heads was one of the game's great storytellers," Vlandys said.

"He was a giant in journalism and a gentleman.

"He has always been highly respected for his knowledge of the sport and for his dignified coverage of the game."