Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys AM has today paid tribute to John Sattler, who has passed away.
Sattler, a member of the NRL Hall of Fame, played 16 matches for Australia including four Test matches.
“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.”
Rabbitohs Chairman, Nicholas Pappas AM, paid tribute to one of the greatest players the Club has seen, as well as one of the Club’s greatest gentlemen.
“If anyone is to epitomise the true spirit of the South Sydney Rabbitohs it is John Sattler,” Mr Pappas said.
“He bled red and green. He would do anything for his teammates. He never took a backwards step. He always led from the front.
“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.
“He was tough and brave but fair, uncompromising on the field and empathetic off it, and he truly epitomised everything that we want the Rabbitohs to be.
“His favourite saying was ‘I play to win – everyone knows that.’ There is nothing more ‘South Sydney Rabbitohs’ than that.
“He always held the Rabbitohs dear to his heart and everyone here at the Rabbitohs always held ‘Satts’ dear to ours.
“Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to his son Scott and the entire Sattler family, his former teammates, and all of his friends that he has touched over the years.
“Rest in peace, ‘Satts’.”
The Rabbitohs will pay tribute to Mr Sattler at this Saturday’s game against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Accor Stadium.
