Kangaroo legend Ron Coote announced as 14th rugby league Immortal

Ron Coote is Immortal

Ron Coote’s status as an all-time rugby league great has been cemented. The Rabbitohs and Roosters legend is the first Immortal since 2018, and arguably one of the most deserving Immortals in history.

With Souths, Coote played 148 games between 1964 and 1971. He played another 109 matches for Eastern Suburbs before retiring in 1978. During his great career with these two clubs, Coote had one of the most impressive Grand Finals records that rugby league has ever seen.

Coote reached nine Grand Finals with the Rabbitohs and Roosters between 1965 and 1975. He won six of those nine Grand Finals, four with Souths and two with Eastern Suburbs.

At the international and representative level, Coote also left his mark. He was named the “Prince of Locks” for his work with the Kangaroos, taking over from the legendary “King of Locks” Johnny Raper.

Coote in tears accepting award

The now 79-year-old Coote was in attendance at the NRL Hall of Fame ceremony when he was announced as the 14th Immortal in rugby league history. He was celebrated with a standing ovation from the crowd. The occasion brought the legend to tears.

“I’m a bit taken for words at the moment,” Coote said, trying to compose himself while accepting the award. “I never thought I’d be crying when I was 80 but I am,” he added.

“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. That’s really good to me and I really appreciate it.”

Coote had been in the running for an Immortals place every year since the award was created in 1981. The 79-year-old has been a rugby league hall of famer since 2005.

When asked about what he was most proud of in his career, Coote said: “I suppose I’d have to say my family. I’ve got a wonderful family and I’ve always put them first and then I’ve been lucky in business. I’ve had to work hard but I’ve always had a lot of luck with it.

“I really appreciate everything rugby league has done for me. I’ve had a great life and I put that down to the opportunity I’ve been given to play the game of rugby league.”

Allan Langer, Cameron Smith, Darren Lockyer, Brett Kenny, Peter Sterling, Laurie Daley, Glenn Lazarus, Bradley Clyde, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Ken Irvine, and Brad Fittler were also on the Immortals shortlist on Wednesday along with Coote.