Bulldogs legend Steve Folkes dies, 59

Bulldogs great Steve Folkes has died of a heart attack, aged 59, after entering cardiac arrest while riding a bike.

Former Canterbury coach Steve Folkes has died aged 59.

Canterbury’s preparations for the start of the NRL premiership have been overshadowed by the passing of club legend Steve Folkes. Folkes, a premiership winner as a player and coach at the Bulldogs, died of a heart attack earlier today aged 59.

“The club is shocked and saddened at the news of the passing of Bulldogs legend Steve Folkes,” Canterbury chief executive Andrew Hill said.

Steve Folkes with Ruan Sims and Samantha Bremner during his time as coach of the Jillaroos. Picture: Brett Costello.

“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.

“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.

Todd Greenberg and Steve Folkes, pictured in 2008. Picture: Gregg Porteous.

“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.”

As a player, Folkes was a mainstay in the back row for the Bulldogs side which, along with Parramatta, dominated the 1980s. He was renowned for his work ethic, toughness and tackling technique, which he parlayed into a place in the NSW and Australian side.

He carried that unquenchable work ethic, uncompromising personality and quest for perfection into his coaching career, where he guided the Bulldogs through some of the most tumultuous times in their history.

After coaching the club’s reserve grade side, he was promoted to the first grade team in 1998 and promptly took the club to the grand final. They lost to the Brisbane Broncos but it was just the beginning.

Four years later the club appeared destined to win the premiership, only to be stripped of 37 points following a salary cap scandal. Folkes was the glue that held the Bulldogs together and two years later, they won an elusive premiership.

Folkes was named the Dally M coach of the year. It was the high point of his career as a coach. Following the 2008 season, after a decade at the helm of the Bulldogs first grade side, Folkes parted ways with the club.

His final season at the Bulldogs was dominated by the controversial departure of cross-code Sonny Bill Williams, who walked out on Canterbury for a big-money deal in French rugby union.

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes celebrates following the 2004 NRL grand final. Picture: Getty Images.

Folkes shouldered much of the blame for his exit and the coach’s eventual departure at the end of the year strained his relationship with some of the most powerful figures at Belmore.

It was the beginning of a nomadic end to his coaching career. He secured a short term role with the West Indies cricket team before returning to the NRL as part of the Wests Tigers coaching staff.

Following a stint on the staff at St George Illawarra, he spent time as a video referee and was appointed head coach of the Australian women’s team in 2014. The year previous he had lost his wife Karen — the daughter of Canterbury patriarch Peter Moore — to cancer.

“Steve was incredibly successful as both a player and a coach,” NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said.

“He won four premierships from six grand final appearances as a player, and coached the Bulldogs to a Premiership in 2004. 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.

“He’ll be remembered as one of the Bulldogs’ greats, but more importantly a great man — a family man and someone who did wonderful things for rugby league. Our thoughts are with Steve’s family and the Bulldogs at this time.”