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“Ron was talented, strong and tough against players like none other of his era – such as fellow immortals Johnny Raper and Graeme Langlands. Tall and lean, Ron was a threat on both sides of the ball.
“He was a great defender who could make saves, was naturally gifted on the ball and was a constant threat to opponents when he had it in his hands.
Ron Coote playing for Australia.credit: UPI
“He played in nine grand finals in 11 years and had a huge impact on the teams he represented.
“As one of rugby’s true gentlemen on and off the field, Ron now takes his rightful place among the game’s greats.”
Coote played 148 premiership games for South Sydney between 1964 and 1971, and 109 premiership games for Eastern Suburbs between 1972 and 1978. He won four grand finals with South Sydney and two finals with Eastern Suburbs. Coote also played 15 games for New South Wales, as well as 42 games for Australia, including 23 test matches.
In 1970, he led Australia to World Cup victory in England. The 79-year-old is also a beloved figure for setting up Men of League (now Family in League) to help members of the rugby league community who have fallen on hard times.
Bob McCarthy and Ron Cote in 1971.
Rabbitohs chairman Nicholas Pappas said Coote represented everything that was good about the game.
“It is difficult to put into words the impact Ron Coote has had on the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the game of rugby league,” Pappas said.
“Ron is a giant in every sense of the word, embodying all the qualities of a sports legend: immense strength, uncanny skill and a gentle humility.
“Ron is always Rabbitoh first and foremost, an icon not just because of the way he has conducted himself on the pitch, but also because of what he has achieved, and continues to achieve, off it.”
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On a historic night for the game, 11 players (Lionel Morgan, Liz Boyd, Ben Elias, Steve Renouf, Cameron Smith, Jonathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Benji Marshall, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess), six women's players (Natalie Dwyer, Katrina Fanning, Tarsha Gill, Veronica White, Karen Murphy and Tahnee Norris), two referees (Cole Pearce and Bill Harrigan), two coaches (Jack Gibson and Wayne Bennett) and four contributors (Frank Hyde, Ken Arthurson, John Coyle and David Morrow) were inducted into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame.
“Tonight was one of the most important nights in the history of the game, as we had the honor of recognizing the greatest contributors to the game ever – including the first ever woman to be selected, the first ever coaches and referees, not to mention the wonderful recognition of the game’s 14th immortal; 25 inspiring, influential and amazing individuals,” said Flandez.
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