Ron Coote has been named the 14th rugby league Immortal.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese inducted the South Sydney and Roosters legend into the game’s most exclusive club at the lavish Hall of Fame ceremony at the SCG.
One of the greatest Rabbitohs of all-time, the 79-year-old won four premierships with South Sydney, plus a further two flags with Eastern Suburbs later in his career.
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Coote played 148 games for South Sydney between 1964 and 1971, before moving on to notch up a further 109 matches for Eastern Suburbs between 1972 to 1978.
But it doesn’t stop there. Alongside his heroic career in the NRL, Coote starred in 15 matches for NSW and 42 games for Australia, 23 of those were Test matches.
Ron Coote at the rugby league Hall of Fame. NRL Photos
Despite being one of the toughest on field, it was off it where Coote shone.
Coote was the founder of Men of League (Family in League), a support network that still exists today, to help rugby league’s members through difficult periods away from the game.
An emotional Coote wiped away tears as he got up to receive his Immortal jacket.
“I’m a bit taken for words at the moment,” Coote began, as tears streamed own his face.
“I never thought I’d be crying when I was 80, but I am.
“To me, it’s just sensational, I never thought it would happen. I’ve been at this function a few times and this time, I got the gong … I really appreciate it.”
Coote reflected on the opportunity he had been given to give back to the game he loved.
“I’ve had a great life. I put that down to the opportunity I’ve been given through playing the game of rugby league,” he said.
“I think it’s the greatest game in the world.”
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But it’s not the many premierships or the long and successful career that Coote is most proud of.
“I’d have to say my family. I’ve got a wonderful family. I’ve always put them first. I’ve been lucky in business … I’ve always worked hard, but I’ve always had a lot of luck,” he said.
“I really appreciate what rugby league has done for me. I can go back to the days where I used to play junior leagues … they were always supportive to us, when I was a kid.”
Ron Coote in action. John Patrick O’gready/Fairfax Media
As for his one piece of advice for those who will continue to come after him, Coote just wanted to say, thanks.
“I’d just like to say thank you to everyone here tonight for all the applause and say, keep following rugby league, because you’ll get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from a great game,” he said.
Coote joins the most elite group in rugby league’s history.
He becomes just the 14th Immortal, joining Clive Churchill, Bob Fulton, Reg Gasnier, John Raper, Graeme Langlands, Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson, Andrew Johns, Dave Brown, Frank Burge, Mal Meninga, Herbert ‘Dally’ Messenger and Norm Provan.