PRIME Minister John Howard has pledged $10 million towards the construction of a rugby league Hall of Fame.
"Rugby league has made a significant contribution to Australia's national identity," Mr Howard said.
"While the sport has a working class background, of which it can be justifiably proud, it now reaches out of the entire community," the Prime Minister, who attended the National Rugby League grand final in Sydney, said.
Mr Howard made the funding announcement at a pre-NRL grand final luncheon at St George Leagues.
The Prime Minister said he was approached by the Men of League Foundation with a proposal to build the facility, which will also mark the centenary of the code in 2008.
"We have decided to contribute some $10 million to the establishment of the Hall of Fame," Mr Howard told about 150 guests at the St George Rugby League club rooms in Kogarah.
"It will have a unique feature, a central stadium experience, and it will give visitors the feeling of being on the ground during a match day when surrounded by a huge crowd."
Mr Howard also made a second rugby league-related announcement, pledging $2.6 million towards events to mark the centenary.