A Far North Queensland NRL player who was killed in a car crash has been remembered for his love of family and footy

Gordon Santo tragically lost his life on the Bruce Highway in a head-on collision near Farleigh.

Roosters forward Gordon Santo looking for the try line at Williams Park.

GORDON Santo, known to his mates as Gordie and as The Big Unit in the NRL world, has been remembered for his prowess on the footy field but more so for his love of family.

Mr Santo died in a shocking two-vehicle head-on crash about 6.10pm Monday on the Bruce Highway near Farleigh.

Doug Pitt, who coached Mr Santo for three years at Charters Towers Miners, said Gordie was a playing powerhouse who was called up to the Melbourne Storm and played alongside league great Todd Carney in Cairns.

Gordon Santo.

Mr Pitt said Mr Santo had the talent to play in the big leagues but if it took him away from his family – his real passion – then it wasn’t for him.

“He was a very fun, happy go lucky fella who prided himself on his family and nothing else,” Mr Pitt said.

Todd Carney with Atherton Roosters teammate Gordon Santo after their game against Cairns Brothers.

“He brought a presence with him – he was a big fella but he had a heart and he lived for his family.

“That was pretty much the size of him.

“He was one of the instigators of bringing fun into the sport.”

Nicknamed The Big Unit by league commentators, Mr Santo was a dynamic player but with a softness for his family – his mum, dad, siblings, cousins and his children in particular.

Roosters monster prop forward Gordon Santo in action. .

“He was a real beautiful, gentle giant,” Mr Pitt said.

“He had a load of talent on the field but sometimes football isn’t the biggest thing for players and for him, family was his

“Melbourne Storm were going to sign him but for whatever reason, Gordie said it wasn’t for me.

“Gordie was always about sport being secondary for him.”

He played representative football throughout the north including for the Marlins and in recent years took the field with Wests in Mackay.

Originally published as A Far North Queensland NRL player who was killed in a car crash has been remembered for his love of family and footy