‘He truly epitomised everything that we want the Rabbitohs to be’: Tributes flow for John Sattler

The rugby league world has paid tribute to John Sattler after the Rabbitohs legend died aged 80.

South Sydney legend John Sattler Pics Adam Head

The rugby league world is in mourning following the death of South Sydney legend John Sattler.

Sattler was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2008 and will always be remembered for valiantly playing on for 77 minutes of the 1970 Grand Final with a broken jaw.

“John was a legend of the game,” ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said.

“The tales of his toughness were quite extraordinary, but they were also at odds with his nature off the field. He was a true gentleman.

We are today mourning the loss of the game's Greatest
Gentleman.
Vale John Sattler ❤️💚
Tribute: https://t.co/3PeDvPI1jVpic.twitter.com/oWb3jSWMc0

— South Sydney Rabbitohs 🐰 (@SSFCRABBITOHS) March 20, 2023

“Those traits made him such a remarkable and celebrated leader. He captained his club South Sydney as well as his country on three occasions.

“John played in six grand finals with South Sydney, winning four as captain, and was deservedly honoured as one of Australia’s greatest 100 players in the centenary season in 2008.

“On behalf of the Commission, I extend our condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.”

Sattler played 195 first grade games for Souths, represented Australia in four Tests and is regarded as one of the toughest men to ever play the game.

Sattler with Sam Burgess after the Englishman played the 2014 Grand Final with a facial fracture from the opening carry of the match. Picture; Gregg Porteous

“If anyone is to epitomise the true spirit of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, it is John Sattler,” Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas said.

“He bled red and green. He would do anything for his teammates. He never took a backwards step. He always led from the front.

“He was loved by everyone connected with the Rabbitohs, whether it be one of his former teammates who he led to premiership glory, or the man in the street who loved South Sydney just as much as he did.

“He was tough and brave but fair, uncompromising on the field and empathetic off it, and he truly epitomised everything that we want the Rabbitohs to be.

“His favourite saying was ‘I play to win – everyone knows that.’ There is nothing more ‘South Sydney Rabbitohs’ than that.

Very sad. An ornament to the game. Fierce competitor on the field. Tough as they come. Off the field, he was a kind and thoughtful man. Always impeccably dressed. Pride in his appearance and presentation. Always supportive of others. Great role model. RIP John Sattler. https://t.co/7OMaemDJjl

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) March 20, 2023

“He always held the Rabbitohs dear to his heart and everyone here at the Rabbitohs always held ‘Satts’ dear to ours.

“Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to his son Scott and the entire Sattler family, his former teammates, and all of his friends that he has touched over the years.

“Rest in peace, ‘Satts’.”

The Rabbitohs will pay tribute to Sattler ahead of Saturday’s game against the Sea Eagles.

Originally published as ‘He truly epitomised everything that we want the Rabbitohs to be’: Tributes flow for John Sattler