Legendary South Sydney Rabbitohs athlete, John Sattler, passed away on Monday, aged 80, after a battle with dementia.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, rugby league remembered the iconic player, who was considered to be one of the hardmen of Australian Rugby League and one of the toughest to ever play the game.
Known as “Satts”, John Sattler is famous for playing almost all minutes of the 1970 grand final with a broken jaw, leading his club to a premiership victory.
He also captained his club to four premiership victories from 1967 to 1971 and played four Tests for Australia – three of them as national captain.
Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas paid tribute to the iconic athlete, saying that no one epitomised “the true spirit of South Sydney” more.
“He bled red and green,” Pappas mentioned. “He was loved by everyone connected with the Rabbitohs, whether it be one of his former teammates who he led to premiership glory, or the man in the street who loved South Sydney just as much as he did.”
Australia’s Prime Minister, and former club director, Anthony Albanese said: “John Sattler was a legendary player who was tough on the field but a true gentleman off it.”
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
