Former Bulldogs and Jillaroos coach Steve Folkes dead at 59

FORMER Bulldogs and Australian Jillaroos coach Steve Folkes has died aged 59. It is believed the rugby league legend died of a heart attack while cycling.

THE Canterbury club is today in mourning following the shock and sudden death of former forward and coach Steve Folkes.

Folkes is understood to have passed away from a heart attack earlier today while cycling.

The news has devastated the Bulldogs family and all rugby league fans.

Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill released a statement this afternoon after news of Folkes death broke.

“The club is shocked and saddened at the news of the passing of Bulldogs legend Steve Folkes.

“Steve played such a major part in the history of the Bulldogs, both as a player and coach, and was without doubt one of the giants of the club.

LEGEND: They don’t come much more Canterbury than Steve Folkes

Steve Folkes is a former Bulldogs coach. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“Steve symbolised everything that the Bulldogs stand for and was respected throughout the game for his toughness and determination.

“He never took a backward step and was loved by the fans for his courage and commitment to the club.

“His legacy as a Bulldog and what he did for the club will never be forgotten and our hearts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

 

NRL CEO and former Bulldogs boss Todd Greenberg discovered the news while attending The Courier-Mail’s NRL launch in Brisbane and said it came as a shock.

“I’m a personal friend of Steve and his family,” Greenberg said.

“I have known him for a long time and he was a fantastic guy. That news comes completely out of the blue. It wasn’t that long ago that I saw him.

“He will be remembered as one of Canterbury’s greats but more importantly, a really great man, a family man who’s done a lot of good things for rugby league and the local community.

“I send my thoughts and condolences to his family and his friends.”

 

Folkes, 59, played 245 first grades game for Canterbury between 1978 and 1991.

He played five Tests for Australia and toured with the unbeaten 1986 Kangaroos along with nine State of Origin games for NSW.

Then Jillaroos coach Steve Folkes. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

He won four premierships with the Bulldogs.

Folkes coached Canterbury between 1998 and 2008, winning the 2004 premiership, the club’s last title.

He coached the club in 288 matches.

 

Shattered to hear my old coach Steve Folkes has passed away this morning!! Was a big part of my career! Prayers go out to the family and friends 🙏🏽RIP mate

— Willie Mason WMM 💯🇦🇺🇹🇴 (@mase21) February 27, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

Shocked to hear the passing of League legend Steve Folkes. An absolute champion to work with when I was at the @WestsTigers and he was our trainer. Such a humble and hard working bloke! #RIPFolksey

— Lote Tuqiri (@LoteTuqiri) February 27, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RIP Folksey 💙 such an honour to be coached by you 💕 thoughts are with your friends and family https://t.co/pdLptzuLvl

— Kezie Apps (@KezieApps) February 27, 2018

 

 

 

Very sad news hearing of the passing of one of rugby leagues real good guys Steve Folkes. Great player, even better bloke.

— Mark Geyer (@markMGgeyer) February 27, 2018

 

 

Not a good day for rugby league with news of sudden death of @NRL_Bulldogs great Steve Folkes. Rest in Peace Folkesy.@Kangaroos @NSWRL

— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) February 27, 2018

 

 

Can not believe that Steve Folkes has died... a true Bulldogs ... RIP. Thoughts and prayers with his family ...fit as anyone you’ll ever know and gone at 59!

— Andrew Moore (@GibsMoore) February 27, 2018

 

 

 

This is so heartbreaking. An absolute Bulldogs legend in every way. https://t.co/X7uKaS7qMZ

— Maria Tsialis (@mtsialis) February 27, 2018

 

 

Life is just too cruel.
So sad to hear the news of Steve Folkes. Sad day for the Bulldogs club, its fans and rugby league as a whole.

— Fiona Bollen (@FiBollen) February 27, 2018

 

 

 

 

Originally published as Former Bulldogs and Jillaroos coach Steve Folkes dead at 59