Ron Coote Becomes Rugby League’s 14th Immortal
One of the great moments in Rabbitohs history came in 2024 when Club legend Ron Coote AM was officially elevated to Rugby League Immortal status, becoming the game’s 14th Immortal at a ceremony held at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Born in Kingsford and a product of South Sydney Juniors, Coote’s career with the Rabbitohs remains one of the most decorated in the Club’s history. Rabbitohs player #528, he played 148 first grade games in Red and Green between 1964 and 1971, appearing in six Grand Finals and helping deliver four Premierships during South Sydney’s golden era.
Known as the ‘Prince of Locks’, Coote’s blend of skill, toughness and athleticism made him one of the most influential forwards the game has ever seen. His success extended beyond Club football with 23 Tests for Australia, three World Cup campaigns, and numerous individual honours that cemented his standing among the sport’s elite.
But Coote’s impact didn’t stop at full-time. His work founding the Men of League Foundation (now Family of League) ensured generations of players and families received crucial support during difficult times, a legacy as meaningful as his achievements on the field.
His elevation to Immortal status placed him alongside fellow Rabbitohs great, Clive Churchill, marking a proud moment for the South Sydney community and recognising a lifetime of contribution to the sport.
Ron Coote’s Immortal honour stands as one of the iconic moments that show why, since 1908, South Sydney is still here.
Biography
| Name | Ron Coote AM |
| Date of Birth | 25 October 1944 |
| Place of Birth | Sydney, NSW |
| Position | Lock, Second Row |
| Junior Club | Kensington |
| Other Club | Eastern Suburbs (1972–78) |
| First Grade Debut | Rabbitohs vs Roosters, Sydney Sports Ground, 5 April 1964 (Round 1) |
| First Grade Games | 257 (148 for Rabbitohs; 109 for Roosters) |
| First Grade Points | 261 (48 tries for Rabbitohs; 39 tries for Roosters) |
| NSWRL Grand Finals | Nine (Six for Rabbitohs: 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971; Three for Roosters: 1972, 1974, 1975) |
| NSWRL Premierships | Six (Rabbitohs: 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971; Roosters: 1974, 1975) |
| Representative Honours | 23 Tests for Australia (1967–70, 1974–75); 15 matches for NSW (1965, 1967, 1969–70, 1974–75); Four matches for City Firsts (1969–70, 1974–75) |
| Achievements | Six premierships (1967–68, 1970–71, 1974–75); International Hall of Fame (2005); NRL Hall of Fame (2005); NSWRL Hall of Fame (2017); ARL Team of the Century – Second Row (2008); NSW Team of the Century – Second Row (2008); South Sydney Dream Team – Lock (2004); Rabbitohs Captain (1971); Australian Captain (1970); Founded Men of League Foundation (2002) |
| Awards | Harry Sunderland Medal (1970, 1974); Grand Final Man of the Match (1971); NSWRL Player of the Year (1969, 1970, 1975, 1977) |
