John Sattler who played for South Sydney, has been remembered as 'tough and brave' after his death, aged 80

Sattler won four premierships as captain of the Rabbitohs. His last in 1971 was South Sydney's last until their drought-breaking triumph in 2014.

Souths confirmed Sattler's death on Monday afternoon, hailing him as one of the finest players the club had ever seen.

"If anyone is to epitomise the true spirit of the South Sydney Rabbitohs it is John Sattler," chairman Nicholas Pappas said in a statement.

"He bled red and green. He would do anything for his team mates. 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."

Sattler, who attended Marist Brothers High School in Maitland, made a name for himself as one of the toughest and most intimidating players the game has seen, and he forged those skills as a kid growing up in the Coalfields at Kurri Kurri.

In 2012, he was one of eight Hunter products named among the 100 Greatest players in Australian premiership history.

It is rugby league folklore that Sattler played 75 minutes of the 1970 grand final for South Sydney with a smashed jaw as the Rabbitohs defeated Manly 23-12 in a bloody encounter at the SCG.

Sattler made his Test debut in 1967 and, while he only played four Tests, it is generally accepted he would have captained the Kangaroos at the 1970 World Cup but for his broken jaw.

Sattler grew up in the Coalfields area that dominated Newcastle Rugby League in the post-war era.

A legend of South Sydney, Sattler played 197 games between 1963 and 1972.

He is most remembered for his courageous performance in the 1970 grand final win over Manly.

Rival forward John Bucknall punched Sattler and broke his jaw early in the game but the Rabbitohs prop played through the injury and helped secure a famous 23-12 victory.

A photograph of Sattler, with his bloodied jaw, being carried on a teammates' shoulders has become one of rugby league's most iconic images.

"John was a legend of the game," ARL Commission 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.

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

Sattler's son Scott, a premiership-winning rugby league player in his own right, revealed in June 2021 that his father had been battling dementia since early 2020.

Rugby league icons on Monday paid tribute to the former prop.

"Very sad. An ornament to the game," Phil Gould, who finished his playing career at South Sydney, tweeted.

"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."

- with AAP

IN THE NEWS:

To see more stories and read today's paper download the Newcastle Herald news app here.