Rugby league world reacts to Bulldogs legend Steve Folkes’ death

BULLDOGS legend Steve Folkes was discovered dead in his family home, rocking the entire rugby league community.

Steve Folkes was found dead in his Sydney home.

STEVE Folkes has been remembered as one of the all-time greats of Canterbury after the former NRL premiership-winning player and coach died on Tuesday. Folkes, 59, died from a heart attack.

It’s understood he passed away while cycling.

He was hailed as typifying the sprit of the “family club” which he dedicated much of his life to.

Folkes played in four Canterbury premiership-winning sides during the 1980s as well as another two grand finals.

The hard-working back-rower also made nine State of Origin appearances for NSW and played five Tests for Australia.

However he will be best remembered for coaching the side to their 2004 premiership triumph — the club’s last title win.

Along with mentor Chris Anderson, he is one of only two people to be involved in Bulldogs premiership victories as a player and coach.

After taking over the side from Anderson in 1998, he took the team to the grand final that year.

In 2002 the club was rocked by a salary cap crisis and stripped of 37 premiership points. However, Folkes managed to steer the side to a grand final triumph just two years later.

Former teammate Terry Lamb led the chorus of praise for Folkes who he described as a consummate trainer and respected by all at Belmore.

Steve Folkes will be remembered as an icon of the game.

“He was a fitness fanatic, people loved him, I don’t think there’s too many people who spoke badly about Steve Folkes,” Lamb said. “Tough on the field, he epitomised what the club was.

“In 2004, we weren’t supposed to win it. In 1998 he took the team to the grand final and got beaten by the Broncos and they probably should have won the game — but it wasn’t to be.

“He instilled in the players respect. If you walked in and didn’t say hello, he’d be filthy on that.”

Folkes’ wife Karen, the daughter of Bulldogs patriarch Peter “Bullfrog” Moore, died almost five years ago to the day.

Bulldogs officials, his former teammates and players came together on Tuesday to pay tribute.

“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,” Bulldogs chief executive Andrew Hill said in a statement.

“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.”

During his 11 seasons at the helm he coached players like Johnathan Thurston, Steve Price, Hazem El Masri, Andrew Ryan, Willie Mason and Sonny Bill Williams.

Most recently, Folkes coached the Australian women’s side between 2014 and 2016, and was set to coach the Moss Vale Dragons in Group Six country rugby league this year.

“I’ve known Steve for a long time. He was a good friend, and a very well respected and cherished part of the Bulldogs club,” NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said.

Rest easy folksey. Thoughts are with the family. 2004 what a season ❤️

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) February 27, 2018

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

Very sad news on the passing of Bulldogs legend Steve Folkes one of the real old school tough… https://t.co/WiklfiU1UE

— Wendell Sailor (@RealBigDell) 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

— Steve Zemek and Scott Bailey, AAP