Ron Coote has become the 14th player to be named an Immortal in the NRL Hall of Fame.
Career
Coote played in nine grand finals and won six premierships. He debuted at the age of 19 in 1964 for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, with whom he won four premierships. In 1972, Coote took his talents to the Sydney Roosters, where he won consecutive grand finals in 1974 and 1975.
The 79-year-old also won three rugby league World Cups with the Australian team, including one as captain.
Ron Coote’s legacy
Coote is a founding member of the Family of League (formerly Men of League), formed in 2002. The organisation provides financial, social, and emotional support to people in the rugby league community.
In 2008 Coote was named in both the NSW and Australian teams of the 20th century.
What they said:
On being named an Immortal, Ron Coote said: “I’m a bit taken for words at the moment. I never thought I’d be crying when I was 80 but here I am. For me it’s sensational. I never thought it would happen. I’ve been at this function a few times and this time I’ve got the gong. It really means a lot to me and I really appreciate it.”
South Sydney Rabbitohs chairman Nicholas Pappas said: “A giant in every sense, Ron embodies all the qualities of a sporting legend: towering strength, uncanny skill and gracious humility.”
