Immortal leads tributes after death of Rabbitohs great
Ron Coote played rugby league for over a decade in league’s toughest era – and never saw a harder tackler than the great Gary Stevens, who died on Wednesday night.
“When he hit them, they stayed hit,” Coote said of his former South Sydney teammate, who was 81.
“It was a tough era and plenty of stuff went on out on the field, but Gary never shirked it and gave as good as he got.
“He was a great servant for South Sydney and I’m glad I played with him rather than against him.”
Born in Pagewood in the heart of Rabbitohs territory in 1944, Souths player number 539 Stevens won two premierships with the club during its golden era, playing a total of 228 grade games between 1964 and 1976.
He finished his career with 25 first-grade games for Canterbury in 1977 and 1978.
Renowned for his fitness and defence, Stevens represented Australia in 11 Test matches between 1972 and 1975, played seven games for New South Wales and three matches for City Firsts.
He had been ill with dementia for some time, supported by his children and former teammates.
“His wife died several years ago, and he had been in a nursing home for some time,” Coote said.
“He was a great player, a tough fella.
“Off the field he was a gentleman but on it, he wouldn’t take anything from anyone.
“We played many games together and I haven’t seen a better or harder tackler.
“It’s a pity we never had tackle counts back then – he would have topped the count every week.
“It’s a sad day for rugby league and a sad day for South Sydney.”
