NRL mourns loss of South Sydney legend John Sattler: ‘Absolutely devastated’
Rugby league great John Sattler has died, aged 80.
Sattler’s name became synonymous with South Sydney across 197 games between 1963 and 1972. The Rabbitohs confirmed his death on Monday afternoon in a statement.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Rabbitohs in mourning after death of club legend John Sattler.
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The forward was particularly well remembered for one courageous performance in the 1970 grand final defeat of Manly.
Rival forward John Bucknall punched Sattler and broke his jaw early in the game but the Rabbitohs prop played through the injury and helped secure a famous 23-12 victory.
A photograph of Sattler with his bloodied jaw on his teammates’ shoulders has become one of rugby league’s most iconic images.
Sattler won four premierships as captain of the Rabbitohs. His last in 1971 was South Sydney’s last until their drought-breaking triumph in 2014.
In four appearances for Australia, Sattler captained his country three times.
Sattler’s son Scott, a premiership-winning rugby league player in his own right, revealed in June 2021 that his father had been battling dementia since early 2020.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tributes for the former great, who played 197 games and four premierships for his beloved Rabbitohs.
He also captained the team and was inducted into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2008.
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys AM also paid tribute to Sattler.
“John was a legend of the game,” Mr V’landys said.
“The tales of his toughness were quite extraordinary, but they were also at odds with his nature off the field. He was a true gentleman.
“Those traits made him such a remarkable and celebrated leader. He captained his club South Sydney as well as his country on three occasions.
“John played in six Grand Finals with South Sydney, winning four as Captain, and was deservedly honoured as one of Australia’s greatest 100 players in the Centenary season in 2008.
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend our condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
