John Sattler: Gold Coast remembers Rabbitohs and rugby league legend after death at age 80

Legendary rugby league player John Sattler is being remembered as a “courageous” and “incredible” man by Gold Coasters, from those who played on field to those he served.

LEGENDARY rugby league player John Sattler is being remembered as a “courageous” and “incredible” man.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs great, who lived on the Gold Coast for more than 40 years, died on Monday following a long illness at age 80.

He had lived with dementia for three years following a long and tough career.

Friends, admirers and customers of Mr Sattler have remembered the man they knew who helped create the Gold Coast Giants/Seagulls/Chargers team in the 1980s and later ran many of the city’s most famous pubs.

Seagulls founding player Chris “Choppy” Close grew up admiring Sattler during his playing years and got to know him in the 1980s.

South Sydney legend John Sattler died this week. Picture: Adam Head

“His history is well-documented as a player where he was absolute legendary with some acts of bravery on and off the field and later he became a tremendous advocate for league itself,” he told the Bulletin on Tuesday.

“Satts was a great family man and a fantastic leader who I grew up watching while he played with the Rabbitohs, they were my team as a kid.

“Once he moved to Queensland I got to know him as a great mentor and gentleman who was a pleasure to be around, always telling great stories.”

Mr Close said Mr Sattler’s role in bringing a national rugby league team to the city in the 1980s was less know than it should be.

Scott Sattler with his father John Sattler at Branigans Bar at Broadbeach.

“I was just a player and they lured me up here but when you look at the entirety of what that group of men achieved, it was amazing,” he said.

“They came in on a shoestring budget and created a franchise which was a courageous venture and they took a punt on it.

“While it didn’t work out as well as they had expected, its legacy remains today.”

League players and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have all paid tribute to Mr Sattler’s life and career.

John Sattler. 1942-2023. Picture: Jerad Williams

Mayor Tom Tate, a passionate league fan, said Mr Sattler’s passing was a “sad day for rugby league and the Gold Coast in general”.

“John was a legend of league and a successful businessman on the Gold Coast whose passing will be felt greatly by his family and those who loved him,” he said.

Hundreds of Bulletin readers left their own tributes online for Mr Sattler.

Tamara Morris wrote: “Incredibly sad … he was a favourite customer when I worked in the bank in Southport. RIP John the gentleman!”

Christeen Harth and John Sattler at the Judicial Cafe in Davenport Street, Southport.

Kay Evans said: “I met John when I worked for the Gold Coast Chargers. A real gentleman! RIP Rugby League Legend.”

Kathy Poll remembered Mr Sattler as a”gentleman”. “It was an honour to have spent time with John and get to know the beautiful man he was️ our Manly/Souths banter gave us both some great laughs. RIP Gentleman John x x x.”

Noela Chant said “How sad. He was such a gentleman and a legend. Had the pleasure of knowing him in the eighties at the Queens Hotel. Great memories”.

Shane Grimwood said he was a “top bloke”. “had many a beer / coffee with him at the Judicial Cafe when he had it. RIP John”.

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