‘Never thought I’d be crying at 80’: Emotional scenes as Coote 14th Immortal — HOF wrap

by Admin
August 21, 2024

Legendary Rabbitohs and Roosters forward Ron Coote has joined an illustrious group, being named as the 14th rugby league Immortal.

Coote, who won six premierships, was clearly taken aback after his name was called out on Wednesday night at the NRL’s Hall of Fame ceremony.

Across the 1960s and 70s, Coote played 148 NSWRFL games for South Sydney and 109 NSWRFL games for Eastern Suburbs.

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He also played 23 times for Australia and was the recipient of the 1971 Clive Churchill Medal, winning three World Cups in 1968, 1970 and 1975.

Coote was donned the NSWRL Player of the Year in 1969, 1970, 1975 and 1977.

He also won the 1970 and 1974 Harry Sunderland Medals for the best player of the Ashes series against England.

What’s more is his nine grand final appearances came in the space of 11 seasons and he was also the first player to feature in 100 games for two seperate clubs.

“I’m a bit taken for words at the moment,” Coote said.

“I never thought I’d be crying at 80, but I am. To me it’s just sensational, I never thought it’d happen.

“I’ve been at this function a few times and this time I got the gong so that’s really good to me, I really appreciate it. Thank you.”

Ron Coote arrives at the NRL Hall of Fame and Immortal Induction 2024 at Sydney Cricket Ground on August 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Ron Coote and Robin Coote arrive at the NRL Hall of Fame and Immortal Induction 2024 at Sydney Cricket Ground on August 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Coote joins Clive Churchill, John Raper, Reg Gasnier, Bob Fulton, Graeme Langlands, Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson, Andrew Johns, Herbert “Dally” Messenger, Frank Burge, Dave Brown, Norm Provan and Mal Meninga as an Immortal.

In an NRL statement, ARLC chairman Peter V’landys congratulated Coote on his stellar achievement.

“As a Hall of Famer and multiple premiership winner, Ron Coote was already an icon and a legend. Tonight, in becoming an Immortal, he has joined the most elite club in Australian sport,” V’landys said.

“Ron was talented, tough and stood tall against the peerless players of his era – fellow Immortals like Johnny Raper and Graeme Langlands.

“Tall and rangy, Ron was a threat on both sides of the ball. A superb cover defender capable of saving tries, he was also naturally gifted with the ball and a constant threat to opponents when he had it in his hands. He played nine Grand Finals in the space of 11 years, such was the enormous impact he had on the teams he represented.

“As a true rugby league gentleman on and off the field, Ron now holds his rightful place amongst the game’s greatest players.”

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES FROM TONIGHT

Women: Tarsha Gale, Katrina Fanning, Natalie Dwyer, Karryn Murphy, Tahnee Norris, Veronica White

Men: Johnathan Thurston, Benji Marshall, Sam Burgess, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Steve Renouf, Benny Elias, Les Boyd, Lionel Morgan

Referees: Col Pearce, Bill Harrigan

Contributors: Frank Hyde, David Morrow, John Quayle, Ken Arthurson

Coaches: Wayne Bennett, Jack Gibson